Creating a golden thread, one of the six functions of the effective manager

In a recent blog I said that at People Based Solutions we believe that those individuals who lead the organisation must also manage it effectively.  I went on to say that mangers ensure that while undertaking the highly volatile business of the organisation, there is predictability and order.

I outlined the 6 key functions of the effective manager:

 

1. They set SMART objectives
2. They stay in control
3. They understand and manage risk
4. They operate a balanced scorecard
5. They create a “golden thread”
6. They plan for tomorrow.

In later blogs, I explained that in managing the organisation, effective managers set SMART objectives and exercise control, i.e. objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound. These SMART objectives are used to effectively monitor performance to ensure plans and projects are being delivered.   I also stated that when deciding what objectives to set, effective managers use a balanced score card.  The balanced score card helps to ensure that managers can anticipate what’s going to happen in the future, as well as understand what has happened in the past.  I went on to write that the purpose of the organisation should be at the heart of the management system.  Consequently, there is a need to have systems in place that ensure managers understand how the business is operating.  The information from these systems will alert managers if it becomes necessary to take corrective action.

To effectively focus the efforts of staff it is not enough to set SMART objectives as part of a balanced score card.   Effective managers appreciate that those who work for them need to know how the work they do makes a difference.  Effective managers ensure that individual contributors understand how the objectives they have been set, and the actions and tasks they have been asked to perform, link to and deliver the strategic purpose of the organisation.

Effective Managers create a “golden thread”.  This links the objectives, goals and tasks set at every level, to the organisation’s overall purpose.   The effective manager ensures that these links are clearly visible to everyone in the organisation. They take every opportunity to promote the integration of work and tasks. Every task, including those at the lowest and most mundane levels, are linked to the strategic purpose of the organisation. 

Effective managers adopt a management style that promotes these links in everything that they do:

·         Staff are trained to appreciate and understand these links

·         Job roles are designed to ensure job tasks are aimed at delivering the organisation’s strategic purpose

·         Performance management, systems and structures, focus on how the delivery of individual tasks and objectives ultimately deliver the organisation’s strategic purpose

 

·         Communication systems are used to reinforce and promote the links between individual objectives and the organisation’s strategic purpose.

This article has been posted by Sean McCann, the Managing Director of PeopleBased Solutions an HR consultancy specialising in Management Development. If you would like to know more about the Effective Manager Programme, either public courses or in house for your organisation contact us at:

enquiries@peoplebasedsolutions.com