Managers Must Solve Problems
No matter what industry you are in, you will run into difficulties that are not planned. Your internal customers (anyone in your company that has an interest in what you are doing) may be upset with you. Your external customers may be upset with you. So, what do you do when everyone is so upset?
What Actions Are You Taking To Improve Things?
Most companies have timelines or due dates by which things should be done. We'll assume you are aware that there are problems with a given job. You may tell your boss about it, and you think the problem is out of your hands now. The mentality of "I told the boss, so its not my fault" will do you no good.
Simply telling your boss about it doesn't always solve a problem (in fact, it rarely solves a problem). When a due date looms, superior managers figure out a way to get things done! Just kicking it upstairs doesn't get it out of your lap. If you have kicked it upstairs, you have failed - and now your manager has failed, too. You look bad, and your newly tarnished boss is not happy about it, either.
Problem Solving
Look for ways to solve a problem! If you see things are not going well, look for a way to head it off early. Discuss issues with various departments as soon as you realize things are not going as quickly as they should. Maybe options can be created when time is still on your side. As you wait longer and longer, alternatives become more and more limited. Eventually there are no options left but to fail, or be late. This is unacceptable! This means you have waited too long to take action.
Keep Your Eyes Open
Your subordinates often won't want to come and tell you that they are having trouble accomplishing a task. You need to be out there talking with them constantly in order to stay on top of things. Ask if the need help. Ask about a completion schedule. Bring their materials to them. Make their copies for them. If you can find a way to get more production out of them, do it. That's what you're being paid to do.
The end result is a happy customer - and a happy boss. Sitting on your hands and spouting that you told the boss about a given problem doesn't help anything (least of all, your own position). Figuring out how to get around problems is what makes for a successful manager. This will help in leading your team if they can lean on you to help get things done. It will also make you shine to your own boss. When they know they've got someone on their team that solves problems and makes their job easier, you become very valuable.
No matter what industry you are in, you will run into difficulties that are not planned. Your internal customers (anyone in your company that has an interest in what you are doing) may be upset with you. Your external customers may be upset with you. So, what do you do when everyone is so upset?
What Actions Are You Taking To Improve Things?
Most companies have timelines or due dates by which things should be done. We'll assume you are aware that there are problems with a given job. You may tell your boss about it, and you think the problem is out of your hands now. The mentality of "I told the boss, so its not my fault" will do you no good.
Simply telling your boss about it doesn't always solve a problem (in fact, it rarely solves a problem). When a due date looms, superior managers figure out a way to get things done! Just kicking it upstairs doesn't get it out of your lap. If you have kicked it upstairs, you have failed - and now your manager has failed, too. You look bad, and your newly tarnished boss is not happy about it, either.
Problem Solving
Look for ways to solve a problem! If you see things are not going well, look for a way to head it off early. Discuss issues with various departments as soon as you realize things are not going as quickly as they should. Maybe options can be created when time is still on your side. As you wait longer and longer, alternatives become more and more limited. Eventually there are no options left but to fail, or be late. This is unacceptable! This means you have waited too long to take action.
Keep Your Eyes Open
Your subordinates often won't want to come and tell you that they are having trouble accomplishing a task. You need to be out there talking with them constantly in order to stay on top of things. Ask if the need help. Ask about a completion schedule. Bring their materials to them. Make their copies for them. If you can find a way to get more production out of them, do it. That's what you're being paid to do.
The end result is a happy customer - and a happy boss. Sitting on your hands and spouting that you told the boss about a given problem doesn't help anything (least of all, your own position). Figuring out how to get around problems is what makes for a successful manager. This will help in leading your team if they can lean on you to help get things done. It will also make you shine to your own boss. When they know they've got someone on their team that solves problems and makes their job easier, you become very valuable.
About the Author:
Learn more about managerial problem solving. Stop by John Blake's site where you can find out all about management training and what it can do for you.
