An effective Manager understands that People Management is the central core of this role. To get an understanding of this term ‘People Management’, it is useful to separate the two elements and look at each separately, the ‘people’ element and the ‘Management’ element. On the ‘people’ side, the role requires a keen understanding of different types of people, and effective use of people skills to work productively with each one. The ‘management’ side involves structuring the activities of the Team and of the Manager so that the Team will work effectively together to achieve maximum performance.

Think in terms of People and Management

Effective Supervisors have their focus on both elements of People Management and are actively working on both sides at all times. The ineffective Supervisor is often overly concerned with one element and might be blind – or even dismissive of the other side.  They may emphasis the ‘people’ side, wanting to become a ‘buddy’ to their Team members rather than a Leader, or simply have no structure or systems to manage performance at all. The other extreme is the Supervisor who introduces processes and systems with no appreciation of how these may impact on their Team members – resulting in a low performing, de-motivated Team.

The first step to successful Leadership is to think in terms of both people and management - putting in the right systems and processes so that these people can perform at a high level.

Manage your Understanding of Your People

An effective Manager keeps a file on each of their reports, and they use this to plan and manage day to day actions with each person. The first step is to get to know each of your Team members. The best way of doing this initially is to observe them from a distance as they work or interact with others. Develop this understanding by ‘bonding’ with each. Bonding is spending short periods of time talking socially with each – about sport or family or other interests.

A good People Manager uses this time to build mutual respect and trust, but also to gain an insight in to the personality of this person. Structure and record your thoughts. What will motivate this person, what are their strengths, what are the sensitive areas?