Management through Meaning

“Total self-absorption or lack of empathy” and “lousy interpersonal skills” are the least desirable behaviours of leaders.

The management of meaning is central to leading organisations in the current climate of discontinuous change (Limerick and Cunnington, 1993:224-225).  Managers should have very meaningful objectives but if these are not communicated little will be realised.  The ability to translate visions into meaningful actions or attitudes for followers through a mastering of communication is inseparable from effective leadership (Peters and Waterman, 1982:67-73). Vision plus communication results in shared purpose (Nanus, 1992:156).

What wastes a manager's time?

• lack of self-discipline
• lack of plans
• crisis management
• ineffectual delegation
• procrastination
• inability to say no
• attempting too much
• personal disorganisation
• drop-in visitors
• telephone interruptions
• lack of self-discipline

All are controllable: so why be out of control?

Three Keys to Productivity

Set DEADLINES

Concentrate on OUTPUTS.  Preparation time, analysis, back grounding, reading, etc., are necessary but alone achieve nothing.  Place emphasis on output rather than input.

Look for EFFICIENT ways to be EFFECTIVE.  Streamline everything you do and do these things well.