How to know if your management style is outdated (and what to do about it)

The world is changing at a rapid pace and, with it, employee demands and expectations are evolving, as also are management styles and approaches. What may have been effective a decade ago may not work at all today. If you are unsure whether your management style is keeping up with the times, it might be time to reflect. Here are three signals that your approach might need an upgrade, plus some tips on how to improve it.

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This text is based on a Forbes article.

Sign no. 1: When your team yawns at the word "meeting"

Are your team meetings ineffective, boring and too many in number? If your meetings are long and chaotic and the results are meagre, it may be time to change your approach. Start organising shorter, clearly structured meetings with specific deliverables. Always ask the question: "Is a meeting necessary, or will an e-mail sort it out?"

Sign no. 2: Little room for employees' own independent work

Do you feel like you have to be involved in every decision? That nothing should happen without your approval? This may be a sign you are not giving subordinates enough room to work independently. The modern manager is not a supervisor, but a guide and facilitator of work. Trust your team. If you need to be there for everything, not only will your team feel like you do not trust them, but you will not have time for strategic work either. Remember: a good manager is not one who manages everything, but one who allows others to excel.

Sign no. 3: Micromanagement as your secret superpower

If you find yourself watching your employees' every move and are constantly dissecting their work in detail, beware: micromanagement is one of the biggest managerial sins. People need room for their own initiative and creativity. Instead of controlling every detail, focus on results. Allow your team the freedom they need, and see how they flourish. You might be surprised at what they can do when you are not constantly on their backs.

 

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Article source Forbes.com - prestigious American business magazine and website
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