To Maximize Team Results, Manage the Whole Employee
5 min read
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I can hardly remember a time when I didn’t have a job. On my way up the career ladder, I’ve worked under many different managers. Some were great, and a few were … well, less so. I learned a lot from both ends of the spectrum. On the whole, I was fortunate to have many exceptional mentors.
I’ve learned that the best leaders manage individuals to maximize their contribution to the team’s objectives. Each team member contributes to the main objective, but their strengths, weaknesses and approaches are unique to them.
It’s all about managing the whole person.
Related: Is Your Company Embracing These Employee Well-Being Trends?
Unique people, individualized management
A person from a fast-talking sales background transitioning into a management role might need advice on how to keep their team organized. Meanwhile, a more introverted finance whiz might need encouragement to be more outspoken. Some colleagues want to share everything about their family life and tell every detail about their weekend, while others prefer more privacy.
Being connected to your team doesn’t mean there are no boundaries. I’m close with most of my people, and I know all of their kids’ names. But you have to be able to read signals and adjust