Tips for Managers on Handling Subordinates

Handling Subordinates:

As a manager how close you can be with your subordinates? It is a very important question that every successful manager knows the answer for. Neither you can maintain a close relation nor can you maintain a wide gap. In both ways you will loose control over them which finally will cause you to loose your capability as a good manager.

Here managers, particularly the first time managers have to understand one thing that as a manger, your work output depends on the work output of your subordinates as well. You may have to take the blame when they do blunders, at the same time you only be taking the credits as well when they perform well. So it is in your hand keeping them performing well. For that you need a better control over them. So for better control over the subordinates, here we will analyze some dos and don'ts.

• It is good to avoid a close friendship with your subordinates. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't be polite and gentle with them. I mean being too close or having emotional attachments with one or more of your subordinates will be a weakness for a manager. It may cause you loose control over them.  With out effective control, you can not take out effective work out put from them. When the out put goes down, the pressure will mount from your boss. On the other end you may have to run behind your subordinate to finish up the backlog tasks. So avoid any personnel or emotional attachments with subordinates.

• As a team member you should treat them all equally. But on performance measure you should appreciate the performers and should take appropriate measures on non performers when it is required.

• Never over talk. Be precise and concise.

• Don't allow your subordinates buy you snacks or cigarette etc.

Handling mistakes of subordinates:

• Do not loose temper and never shout or yell at them.  – A manager who shouts will loose his respect among subordinates. Particularly never ever use any filthy words against them.

• Depends on the size of the mistake you may need to take appropriate measures.

• If it is a small mistake which can be corrected within your capacity as a manager, just a warning will be enough. Be very serious and stern faced, when you warn them and must brief on worst consequences he may need to face if such a mistake happens again.

• If the mistake is bigger than your capacity to handle, escalate it immediately to your boss or management and proceed further in accordance with them. If time permits, you can even inform him politely that you are going to escalate his mistake to your higher management level.

• Cool managers always get more out put than that of a hot manager. Always being tough and hard will reduce the effects of your seriousness in critical moments. Become tough and hard only when it requires.

Art of Delegation:

• You should always have an eye on your subordinates' task wise capabilities and their key skills and should assign tasks based on their capability. It doesn't mean you should assign more work for a one who is more talent.

Good Manager is Good Teacher:

• Should be a good teacher. Teach them whenever it requires. Always a successful manager will be a good guru and be Role model for a sincere subordinates.