While negotiating the needs of many different managers and still delivering your work is challenging, communication and the co-management of other employees is even tougher. The Daily Muse website has published an article on this subject with a few tips to simplify your coordination and communication with other managers.
1. Come to an agreement
Let us look at a simple example. You are not in the management role of all the teams but you and your colleagues must share and coordinate the management of a single individual whose work is common to all your goals. It may be an intern or a new trainee in an assistant position which is under the joint supervision of you and your colleagues. Most trainees will not be confident in the beginning and will, try to accommodate everyone.
Because you and your colleagues want him in turn learn something, or simply need help, you will integrate him into your projects. Poor results can very quickly appear in the form of employee disorientation, time management problems or poor task completion. The solution can be to hold regular meetings to coordinate who will work with the newcomer on which projects and when. You can also create a common system for assigning simple administrative tasks online. You should also combine both meetings and online coordination.
2. Determine priorities
You have completed the first step of arranging meetings with colleagues to prepare tasks for your subordinate. Individual colleagues have made their proposals, now you must find a comprise to prioritize the requests so your employee is not interrupted with constant, urgent requests for help. Ignoring your colleagues needs can negatively affect a company.
The solution is to think about it in a broader context and allow the employee to decide on the priority of assigned tasks. Even tasks that are not urgent can educate your employee. In addition, he is practicing his organization and prioritizing skills.
3. Monitor workload
As we have already mentioned, the lack of coordination and cooperation with multiple managers can lead to work overload very quickly. Every manager has a different management style, which can be very stressful for an employee. The employee probably does not know who to ask for help or how to reduce the workload.
The solution is definitely not to be controlled by multiple managers. Instead, occasionally meet your employee informally at lunch, coffee break or randomly in the corridor and talk about current and non-work matters. A newbie will especially appreciate the warm gesture. Let him know he has your trust and support if he wants to come to you with a problem.
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