What is the best way to get work done?

It is necessary to be serious, tough and create invisible barriers around us, as we grow up the corporate ladder? Some of it would happen naturally, and there has to be a respect for authority; however we need to guard against trying to be too menacing and hence get completely disconnected from people. It is people at the end of the day, that would deliver work for a team and a company.

The workforce would keep becoming younger as we grow. As a leader, to have teams performing at their peaks, it is critical to be able to connect with even the lowest level of the workforce or at least have an understanding of their thought processes. People should know that there is “fire” in a leader; that he/she is not a pushover, but using the fire too often could backfire! J

How many of us have seen the classic “Do Aankhen Barah Haath” or similar movies later, like “Karma”, where one of the sub themes if to bring the “outlaws” to the right path. How did the protagonists achieve this? Was it through severe reprimand and punishment or was it through empathy, honest counselling, leading by example and a carrot and stick policy if required?

Human psychology works similar everywhere. Research and statistics prove that old school management techniques of micro management or a “no tolerance” policy to mistakes, may get work done quicker in the short term, but is not a good culture to nurture for the long term in terms of company values, employee morale, attrition and retention. Most people just want to do things the love to do, have some clear goals they can work to attain, want their abilities to be recognized and have respect.

A leader should try to build an atmosphere, where people feel respected and happy to work, even under a heavy workload. The leader should focus on building the team, so that everyone is approachable, people love to work with each other, enjoy each other’s success and are inspired to get up every day and come to office to get the work done together. The team should know that they just need to be serious about getting the work done, not become boring, serious and scary themselves, so let there be some regular doses of humour breaks!

Just try and create this atmosphere and you would rarely have to be tough, work would get done efficiently without much supervision and your team members would be ready to give their up lives for you, if required. Pun intended. J