The word “manage” is something of a mixed bag.
Sometimes managing an injury or a situation can mean that you’re merely coping with it, or keeping it from worsening. On the other hand, “What gets measured, gets managed,” is a powerful maxim for any business leader or entrepreneur.
The fact is that many of us are currently in some kind of position that could be described as “managerial”. Maybe you’re managing your own employees or freelancers. You might even have that kind of responsibility amongst your fellow team members and collaborators. Or perhaps you’re coaching someone who’s accountable for all of the above and then some!
Regardless of what role we play, all of us here are united in our commitment to helping others perform at their highest levels and achieve their greatest satisfaction – in every aspect of their lives, personal and professional.
…which is partly why I think I responded so powerfully to this Twitter thread I came across again recently.
The author, Matthew Rechs, was kind enough to title his thread in the most direct way:
11 Promises From A Manager: A Thread
[Btw, this is a great lesson in headline/subject writing…ask me about this if you’re interested in listening to Kevin The Copyeditor geek out over marketing minutiae.]
Obviously, not all of this will be specifically applicable to you or your clients. In fact, the specificity with which he writes is one of the things I like the most about it.
A few of my favorite points:
- When I schedule a meeting with you, I’ll always say *when I schedule it* what it’s meant to be about. I will not schedule meetings without an agenda.
[I love this because it’s all about the importance of setting and delivering on expectations, and never wasting anyone’s time.] - Your work gets done your way. My focus is on outcomes, not output. Once we’re clear on where we need to go, how to get there is up to you. If I ever find it necessary to suggest a specific approach, I will supply an example.
[Focusing on outcomes, equipping and guiding without micro-managing, always grounded in clarity…sounds like a lot of coaches I know.] - A team is strongest when it’s working together, looking after one another, and taking care of each other. Please look to your left and to your right for opportunities to help your colleagues. Please ask for help when you need it. Nobody works alone.
[It should come as no surprise to you that this comes toward the end of the thread. First, a strong foundation is laid. Through that work, the values that you want your team to exemplify begin to shine.]
One of the many things I enjoy about hosting the Conversations with Coaches podcast is how much more I see the world through the lens of a coach.
The core values of coaching – service, guidance, leadership development – are really human values. In that sense, what coaching does is help uncover and grow those aspects of ourselves on the journey to becoming who we most want to be. So please, forgive me if I’m seeing “coaching” in all sorts of places I didn’t use to.
I’m sure you’re seeing something similar, and I’m grateful for it.
