An important skill for managers is the ability to understand how an order issued at Point A will be interpreted once it gets to Point B, Point Z and all points in-between.
A reasonable expectation is those who disagree with the order will choose to comply - if they comply at all - in a manner that is as close as possible to their true position. Feet will be dragged and urgency diluted. Clarification will be sought, pondered, then sought again. Funding will be shifted and suddenly urgent priorities will frequently intervene. Alibis will be swapped and refined. All will be done with a straight face.
That is why follow-up is crucial. "That which is rewarded gets done" is a classic management principle. Another could well be, "Don't just direct, go see."
No comments:
Post a Comment