Management Gurus at our Homes

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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