As a manager, you must always know what is expected from your subordinates. Essential duties and skills should be know as soon as a job opening is posted. You can use the job description of the position, which will help you focus on the most important skills. During interviews and the whole process of candidate selection, you need to keep in mind who you are looking for.
Business is an always evolving, it is possible that your expectations will change. You should regularly inform your subordinates what your current expectations are, in order to make your efforts align and be efficient. Communication is of the essence here. There should be not be surprises about expectations at the regular employee evaluation. According to management.about.com, every manager must know to answer the following questions of his subordinates.
What is my schedule?
You need to be able to describe the working hours, rules of sick days and leave taking. Questions about remote work policy and all unwritten rules about work schedules should be addressed as well.
Compensation topics
Of course, you are not an expert on the compensation topic, but you should have some understanding of your company’s pay policy, wage grades and the general policy it follows. When an employee brings up the issue of a raise, you must be able to explain the rationale behind it if it was rejected. Your argument can compare it with the value of the job on the external market. If your company claims such information is confidential, employees might make up their own answers. Try to give them an honest answer instead of saying it is secret.
Questions about performance
If your employee asks how is he doing, it means he does not have enough regular feedback. Employees need to be sure that they are meeting expectations and need to know where they should improve. Your feedback should be ongoing and timely.
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