Being a manager isn’t easy. No, it is a job of power but it has a lot of responsibility—and, sometimes, the back of a semi or an act trailer of wrong turns. Although many a manager would like to motivate a team and Boost Team Productivity, a few bad decisions can quickly drop the production as fast as one can say “there’s team meeting at 8 a.m.
If you’re serious about getting the best out of your team, it’s time to ditch these common management mistakes. Let’s break it down, shall we? With a bit of humor and some practical advice, you’ll be ready to turn things around in no time.
1. Micromanaging: Hovering Doesn’t Help
There is that fine distinction between leading your team and helicopter parenting, deh. Micromanagement is one of the biggest productivity killers. Whenever managers do not trust their subordinates to properly do their jobs, this leads to a climate of stress and dissatisfaction. Nobody works their best when they feel like they’re being watched 24/7.
Here’s the truth: Your team doesn’t need you to hold their hands; they need you to trust them to hold their own. Delegate responsibilities explicitly, offer assistance when required, then intern. Checking repeatedly at every minutia won’t fast the process, it’ll slow the everybody.
Funny thought: Unless your group is in cahoots to build a rocket ship, and they aren’t telling you, give it space.
2. Ignoring Individual Strengths: One Size Does Not Fit All
Not every employee is a jack-of-all-trades, and that’s okay! When everyone is believed to be capable of any skill, one is like expecting a fish to climb a tree. Each team member has unique skills and strengths. Ignoring these strengths and treating everyone the same can result in underperformance and disengagement.
Take the time to understand your team members. Who’s great at brainstorming? Who shines in detailed execution? By assigning tasks that align with their strengths, you’re not just boosting productivity—you’re also building morale.
Funny thought: If your star graphic designer is struggling with Excel spreadsheets, it’s time to reevaluate your task assignments (and maybe save them from a nervous breakdown).
3. Poor Communication: The Productivity Black Hole
Communication is the lifeblood of any successful team. Yet, many managers either overshare, under-share, or miscommunicate entirely. The result? Confusion, frustration, and missed deadlines.
Clear, concise, and transparent communication is essential. Periodic check-ups, explicit directions and bi-direction of information, are very effective at making sure everyone stays coordinated. Remember, communication is a dialogue, and hear your team as much as you speak to them.
Funny thought: If your team meetings are more like episodes from a sitcom, no matter what, it is time to rethink your strategy.
4. Setting Unrealistic Expectations: Dream Big, But Be Realistic
It’s wonderful to “dream big”—but to chase completely implausible aspirations? Not so much. Unrealistic expectations can leave your team feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. In the opposite, rather than motivating them it would drive them into the productivity spiral.
Break down large goals into smaller, manageable milestones. Celebrate progress along the way. If employees perceive that their efforts are rewarded and that achievable goals are met, they are more inclined to keep motivated and productive.
Funny thought: If your team looks about a zombie pack when deadlines roll around they are not hustling harder, it is very likely they are just exhausted.
5. Neglecting Employee Feedback: Listen Up!
Your team’s feedback is a goldmine of insights. To do nothing is like bury treasure in the sand. From processes through workloads to office culture, taking the pulse of your workforce can reveal and address issues before they get out of hand.
Create a culture where feedback is welcomed and valued. Encourage open dialogue and let your team know their opinions matter. Small, continuous improvements through feedback can result in considerable productivity improvements.
Funny thought: If your suggestion box has become cobwebbed, it’s time to shake things around.
A Little Appreciation Goes a Long Way
We’re all human, and everyone loves a pat on the back. When managers are neglectful of good effort it is demoralising to the team. Having your employees give it their all in the job requires validation of their labor.
Recognition doesn’t have to be extravagant. A casual “thank you,” an announcement at a meeting, or a little gift can be very rewarding. People thrive on appreciation—it’s the fuel that keeps them going.
Funny thought: If the last time you said “great job” was when someone found the office stapler, you’ve got some catching up to do.
Final Thoughts:
Preventing these 6 management blunders may not (incredibly soon) make you the ideal manager, but it’s on the right track. Just to remind, it’s not a case of trying to work harder, to increase team productivity, it’s about making the environment right for people to be successful.
Focus on trust, communication, realistic goals, and appreciation, and you’ll see your team’s productivity soar. After all, a happy, motivated team is a productive team. And if you can handle that, you are already in plus territory.
Now go forth and lead like a boss—a good one, that is!