Final answer:
A manager engaged in setting goals and creating specific plans is performing the planning function of management. This involves setting milestones, measuring progress, and may require adjustments as organizational circumstances change. Effective planning also considers both task-oriented and interpersonal skills development for team cooperation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A manager who sets goals and objectives and creates specific plans is completing the planning step in the management process. The purpose of planning is to identify achievable and appropriate goals and to develop strategies to accomplish them. This phase often involves setting clear milestones and measuring progress to ensure that the organization is on the right track towards achieving its objectives. Managers may also need to modify their plans over time as circumstances change within the organization.
It is essential for managers to understand how they fit into the organizational structure and to whom they should report. Planning also involves mapping out the career trajectory with specified goals for different time frames, such as 3, 6, 9, and 12-month blocks, and it includes both task-oriented goals and interpersonal skills development for effective teamwork and collaboration.