Final answer:
To gather useful information on how the line is working, Mike needs to understand managerial work style, employee perceptions, and assess the transparency and weaknesses of management. He can use interviews, surveys, and professional consultations to collect this data while ensuring confidentiality and trust.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a manager in Mike's position, the type of information most useful to collect would include understanding managerial work style, gauging employee perceptions of the work environment, and determining the efficiency and weaknesses in management.
Gathering information can be accomplished through various methods such as conducting interviews, doing a root cause analysis, and finding expert information.
Mike should consider creating a confidential running list of observations about the management style, how the team feels about the manager, where the manager is most efficient, and what the weakest points are. It is also crucial to evaluate how transparent the manager is with forwarding relevant information to the team.
To effectively gather this information, Mike may need to conduct interviews, surveys, or consult with professionals in the field. These interviews should ideally offer a platform for employees to speak openly and honestly, with a guarantee of confidentiality to ensure candid feedback.
Additionally, establishing a line of communication that promotes transparency and trust between the manager and the employees is critical for a supportive work environment.