Final answer:
In management, using the strategy of "explain your decisions, don't just make them" relies on both hard and soft skills for effective communication and transparency. An example of applying this strategy is a manager justifying an investment in new technology to their team, thereby promoting understanding and collaboration. Understanding your manager's personality and pooling team strengths are also crucial for a productive relationship.
Step-by-step explanation:
To be successful in management, it's essential to utilize strategies from the Bradberry & Greaves book. One effective strategy is to "explain your decisions, don't just make them." This strategy emphasizes the importance of transparency and communication in decision-making processes. Utilizing this strategy involves both hard skills and soft skills.
When it comes to hard skills, a manager must be competent in their knowledge of the business to make informed decisions. They must be able to analyze data, understand financial implications, and anticipate the outcomes of their decisions. But even more crucial than these hard skills are the soft skills required to effectively communicate and justify the rationale behind a decision. This includes active listening, empathy, articulation of one's reasoning, and the ability to tailor the explanation to the audience.
For instance, consider a manager who must decide whether to invest in new technology. Rather than making the decision unilaterally, they present the case to their team, outlining the costs, projected benefits, risks, and how it aligns with the company's goals. By doing so, the manager is showing respect for their team's input and helping them understand how this decision could impact their work. This process fosters a collaborative environment and prevents miscommunication and distrust.
Understanding your manager's personality, strengths, and weaknesses is a critical aspect of nurturing a collaborative relationship. A strategy embracing Clifton's strengths-based approach helps focus on leveraging individual talents within the team, thus leading to greater job satisfaction and growth opportunities. Building relationships with your manager and team, considering organizational culture, and being cognizant of workplace politics are all soft skills that contribute to effective management and career advancement.