All of us have
defined Management as ‘getting things done by others’. Who better than
an infant can give us a set of best practices to be directly applied in a
business and employment environment, for he gets what he wants from others,
almost all the time..!. We also expect our subordinates to be delivering it
wholeheartedly, self-motivated. So is a toddler, gets the things done from
doers with all happiness.
One of the primary
techniques (if I may call it so) used by a kid is expression. He
without any sort of inhibition opens up and expresses his urge to get it. He
openly shows up his hunger, thirst and desire - be it food, water, toy or a
want of story - making the other party clearly understand the importance of
this particular task being executed. So will be in any organizational set-up,
its pivotal that the importance of the task being wanted from an executor be
convinced on the weight of his/her contribution in achieving the overall
objective of the organisation or team. As the famous quote goes, ‘ask for it’
is what so true..!
A kid does only
what he enjoys. Inevitably, enjoys whatever he does. Isn’t
this what we all expect from all levels of management and isn’t this that has
been proved umpteen number of times by researchers how a satisfied employee’s
performance/productivity will always be the best? What more can be a sign of
satisfaction of an employee than seeing an employee enjoying his work?
Unless one observes
the way I have, it can’t be missed that, children manage to get their mental
peace, as and when required. One of the best methods to have a peaceful day
is to have a well-slept and well-fed body being carried to work. We all have
seen the mood in which kids play after their full nap. I would say the most important
learning from kids for us is this - manage stress by refreshing your mind, body
and soul. Most decisions need to be taken in adverse conditions and a clear
mind would be a great contributor in these times.
Infants follow
certain practices, which pose great learning materials for managers - ethical,
straight, unbiased, consistent, predictable, likeable, harmless and transparent
methods of dealing with people. Its true that they are not realising they are
practicing all these, true that these are possible because of uncontaminated,
innocent hearts of theirs (unlike the conditioned minds of grown-ups), but net
to net these are the most desirable attributes of a manager or any entrepreneur
in his way of achieving success.
Oops...my son (my
management guru at my home..!!) wants me to take him to his favourite play area
and as usual, knowingly it’s a waste of my time (in productivity or revenue
terms, of course) I am happily obliging for the way he appreciates me once I
deliver this…(another getting the things done tip).
Author is a
Faculty in Finance and a PFP Consultant
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