What Does Good Management Sound Like?

Recently, I paid a store manager one of the strongest compliments, "Your store hums."

Seriously, one could stand in the middle of that store, blindfolded, and just by the sound of the store, you could tell it was very successful.   Not only could you hear that the store was busy, you also heard the positive interaction between customers and associates and management.

So, what does good management sound like?

It is the conversation of collaboration.  "What do you think of this?"   "I could really use your opinions."  "You know what - you were right about yesterday's project - you were more on the mark than I was."

It is the sound of work being accomplished:    keyboards clicking, fork lifts moving, the making of copies.

It is hearing, repeatedly, "Thank you for doing that." "You did amazing job.".  "That was better than I could have done myself."

It is informal conversation;   the spur of the moment exchanges, whether about the weekend or a difficult work project, that build bonds.

It is words that express both hope and the faith in the ability of team.

It is the chit-chat of teamwork.  "Are you okay with this?". "I can help with that."  "It looks like you need a break - let me step in."  "I can do this. . if you can do that."  It is words that not only express help, but also anticipate the need for assistance.

And, yes, it is also the silence that indicates that team members and leaders alike are truly listening to teach other.

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My book, "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders," is available for e-readers, PCs and tablets on Amazon Kindle.