July 30, 2007 | Category: Management |

There are different approaches when it comes to managing your employees. Depending on circumstances or problems encountered, you can be project-oriented or people-oriented. Hopefully gone are those days when business owners or managers rule by force and intimidation. This is the time to be adaptable to different situations and more sensitive to your employees’ needs.

There are two proven management techniques very applicable to entrepreneurs:

The Team Player

This method requires strong project management skills because you will empower your employees to call the shots and make big decisions. Your role is to motivate them and monitor their overall direction. Listening to your people and allowing them to make suggestions will make them feel valued.

The Director

Some situations call for immediate solution and this is the time to let your employees know you are the “boss”. Get your hands dirty by directing employees what to do and time needed to finish it. You must be clear, concise, and specific to avoid any misunderstanding. This is effective when your employees are afraid to make commitments and reluctant to take control of the situation. By showing that you know the way, you will win their trust.

These methods are very handy once you use it on appropriate situations. Failure to understand the entire issue will lead to disappointing results.

Some of us do not know yet the range of management responsibilities of entrepreneurs. Visit Wally Bock’s Three Star Leadership Blog to learn about what supervisors do everyday. Although this is based on a corporate setting, the duties mentioned are similar to what you must do in your business.