Better Software - June 2008 - (Page 21)

Management Chronicles “That’s good advice. I think I’ll make a sign for my desk that reminds me. Something like ‘Remember what YOUR job is and don’t try to do theirs!’ And you’re right, I will have so much to do, just in setting the direction and vision for the teams.” Jim paused, thinking that being a visionary and a guide was going to keep him busy indeed. “I have one more question, then I’ll leave you alone so you can get home. How do you know what the right questions are to ask?” “Oh, that’s easy! I don’t!” Alicia smiled and continued, “It’s not like I have a list of questions that are part of a checklist. It’s just genuine curiosity. I know that I’ve hired the best people to solve these problems and I trust them to do their jobs. I don’t have to worry about the answers—they do. So that frees me up mentally to just listen. And I truly want to know what they are grappling with and how I can help. “I think that the most important thing is to care about your staff. Really care about them as people and never, ever, treat them like ‘assets.’ They’ll know, Jim, if you try to fake that. So if your team members aren’t coming and talking to you, then get up and go and talk to them. Just check in, find out how they are doing as individuals. Build relationships so they can feel comfortable coming to you with their concerns. And I don’t think you have to worry. I’ve seen you with your team here, and I’ve heard them all speak highly of you.” “Thanks, Alicia. You make it sound so easy! I appreciate your insights. I hope that one day I’ll be in the same position, with one of my staff coming to thank me for helping him grow and take on more responsibility.” Jim smiled, stood up, and extended his hand to Alicia. Alicia shook his hand. “That’s the best part, Jim! That’s when you’ll know that you’re doing your job right and helping others in the process!” {end} STORY LINES • Let your team members do what they were hired to do! Don’t try to solve problems for them. • Be a guide for others by listening, asking questions, and reminding them of the vision, intent, or goal. • Be prepared to support your knowledge workers when they fail and help them see that this is just another opportunity to learn and grow and improve. What challenges have you encountered when “stepping back” as a leader? Follow the link on the StickyMinds.com homepage to join the conversation. www.StickyMinds.com JUNE 2008 BETTER SOFTWARE 21 http://www.targetprocess.com http://www.StickyMinds.com http://www.StickyMinds.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Better Software - June 2008

Better Software - June 2008 Contents Mark Your Calendar Contributors Technically Speaking eLightenment Code Craft Test Connection Management Chronicles Agile Model-Driven Development The Myth of Risk Management Stop the Insanity! Product Announcements 10 Things You Might Not Know About … The Last Word Ad Index

Better Software - June 2008

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