9 Essential Management Activities for Success

Aspiring managers often wonder about the scope of their responsibilities. What tasks will they be expected to perform? What does a typical day in the life of a manager look like? The answer is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to management. Depending on the organization and the manager's role, responsibilities can vary widely. However, there are 9 core management activities that all managers must be prepared to undertake, regardless of their specific focus or team structure. Here, we will explore these activities in depth.

#1 Planning

Effective management begins with careful planning. As a manager, it is crucial to take the time to create a comprehensive plan in order to ensure that you are prepared for any potential challenges that may arise. Without a plan in place, a manager can quickly become a liability to their company. A successful plan should take into account future goals and objectives, making it a critical component of any successful management strategy.

#2 Delegating

Effective delegation is a crucial aspect of management. Once a plan is in place, it is the responsibility of the subordinates to implement it. A manager who fails to delegate effectively not only hinders the progress of the task but also undermines their own management abilities. Therefore, it is essential for a manager to delegate tasks appropriately to ensure the success of the project.

#3 Training

Effective communication is vital for any organization to function smoothly. Managers must ensure that their employees have a clear understanding of the tasks assigned to them. Failure to communicate can lead to confusion and frustration among employees, which ultimately affects productivity. It is the responsibility of the management to delegate tasks and empower their employees to ensure that the organization runs efficiently.

Employee training is a crucial aspect of any organization's management activities. It not only enhances employee capabilities but also aligns them with the company's vision, mission and work culture. Rigorous training exercises are conducted for new employees to ensure they are fully equipped to deliver their roles effectively.

#4 Motivating

In order to effectively delegate work to employees, it is crucial for managers to provide proper training. By doing so, employees will have a clear understanding of what is expected of them and will be able to perform their tasks with confidence and accuracy. This not only benefits the manager by ensuring that the work is completed to the desired standard, but also empowers the employees to take ownership of their responsibilities and contribute to the success of the team.

In the fast-paced and ever-changing world of business, it's not uncommon for employees to feel overwhelmed and lose their drive. As a manager, it's crucial to be in tune with your team's motivation levels and take the necessary steps to keep them engaged and enthusiastic about their work. By investing time in motivating your employees, you can boost productivity and create a more positive and productive work environment.

#5 Organizing

Motivating employees is a crucial aspect of management, particularly for larger organizations. Managers have a variety of tools at their disposal, including the 3 R's: Remuneration, recognition, and respect. By utilizing these methods, along with other effective strategies, management can ensure their employees remain motivated and engaged in their work.

Organizing is not just about numbers and figures, but also about intuition and adaptability. A skilled organizer is capable of juggling multiple tasks and adapting to changing circumstances. This is exemplified by professions such as Event Planners and Orchestra Managers, who are responsible for coordinating numerous elements in order to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.

Thus, after planning and delegating, organizing becomes one of the crucial management activities for any management of any firm.

#6 Managing Operations

In the world of consumer durables and FMCG, businesses work on a grand scale. From production to sales and finance and collections, there are multiple arms to this industry. Managing such massive operations requires an individual well-versed in operational activities.

#7 Managing Change

To ensure smooth operations, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the entire process and ensure that it is being executed consistently. Developing standard operating procedures is an important management activity that can facilitate the organization's growth and expansion.

Stepping out of one's comfort zone can be a daunting task, and yet it is crucial for an organization's growth. As individuals, we tend to settle into our routines and become resistant to change. However, change is the driving force behind progress and innovation. Without it, an organization risks becoming stagnant and obsolete. Therefore, it is essential to embrace change and continually push ourselves beyond our comfort zones.

Managing change is an essential aspect of effective management. Change can occur in various ways, such as when an employee leaves a team or when a new product or process is introduced. It is the responsibility of the management to handle these changes and ensure that employees are on board with the transition.

A real-life example of successful change management can be seen in an organization that introduced a new online cash reimbursement system. Initially, employees were skeptical and complained that the system would be time-consuming and ineffective. However, after a few months of adapting to the new system, employees stopped manually processing their reimbursements and instead submitted their requests online. The new system automated the reimbursement process, making it hassle-free for employees. This example highlights the importance of effective change management by managers.

#8 Taking Responsibility

Assuming responsibility for one's actions is crucial in making tough decisions and ensuring their proper implementation. When a team performs exceptionally well or disappoints, it ultimately reflects on the managers leading the team. While acknowledging and giving credit where it is due is essential, managers who take full responsibility for their actions are more likely to be proactive and achieve better results than those who are reactive and shirk responsibility.

#9 Evaluating

Managers hold the key to employee appraisals, growth, and retention. Effective appraisals can keep staff motivated, while clear communication about the organization's future and employees' roles can help them evaluate themselves. Therefore, evaluation is a vital management activity for any organization. This article has provided a comprehensive guide to the activities that managers must undertake to effectively manage a team or organization. We hope this information has been helpful in highlighting the important role of managers in employee development and success.