You're in charge, but how do you get the best from your team?

Whether you are a manager or supervisor, if you have the ability to affect the work life of anyone in your organization, it is important to remember to give your staffers control (or the illusion of control) over things that affect how they work.
Do they need...better status updates...fewer meetings...blue pens?
Ask them what they need to be effective - listen to your team - gather their requirements. When you give your team an opportunity to be honest about how they feel, they'll tell you things you never expect to hear.
They'll ask for things that cost you little, and reap big benefits.
Think this means you're giving up control? It's called delegation - something all great leaders do.

Originally posted: December 28, 2009 at 12:34 AM