Final answer:
Sully should strive to understand his manager's work style and effectively communicate while providing guidance and redirection. A positive relationship fosters a conducive work environment, and respecting managerial authority while offering constructive feedback is essential. Addressing the lack of consistency and setting clear expectations can aid in improving the work dynamic.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with a 'flavor of the day' manager such as the one described, Sully should assess the situation thoroughly before taking any action. It is crucial to understand the manager's work style, strengths, and weaknesses. An approach to addressing these challenges begins with identifying how the manager communicates and what his management style is, whether it's collaborative, meeting oriented, hands-on, independent, flexible, or deadline-driven. Sully should consider the team's feelings towards the manager and the manager's efficiency and transparency. Evaluating these factors will allow Sully to tailor his guidance in a way that aligns with the manager's personality and the organization's culture.
Building a positive and productive relationship with the manager is paramount. Sully should communicate effectively, offer support to areas that are a priority for the manager, and remain flexible amidst changing priorities. The feedback loop between Sully and the manager should be professional and constructive, allowing for mutual growth and improvement. Sully may also benefit from understanding the organizational structure and working towards fostering a collegial environment that encourages solicitous feedback even in flat hierarchical organizations.
Implementing Change
Sully's initial steps may involve formal or informal meetings with the manager to discuss areas for improvement. The goal is to provide guidance and redirection while respecting the manager's authority and fostering an environment where employees can voice their concerns without fear of backlash. By addressing issues such as decisiveness being disruptive, as in the case of Tracy and Noel, Sully can help the manager in recognizing the importance of consistency and clear communication. Setting a clear direction and expectations will establish a more stable and satisfying work environment for the team.