Directing

DIRECTING Directing is the process that many people would most relate to managing. It is the act of supervising or leading workers to accomplish the goals of the organization. Furthermore, it is a process of influencing people’s behavior through motivation, communication, group dynamics, leadership and discipline. The purpose of directing is to channel the behavior of all personnel to accomplish the organization’s mission and objectives while simultaneously helping them accomplish their own career objectives. Consequently, directing includes the following functions--- the manager plays an active rather than passive role in employee performance, conduct, and accomplishments; the manager has a sensed responsibility of helping people in the organization accomplish their individual career goals; motivation; communication; performance appraisal; discipline; and conflict management. There are four ways to effectively carry out the managerial function of directing. First, to issue orders that are clear, complete, and within the capabilities of the subordinates; to define assignments; and to provide guidelines. Second, to provide an incessant training activity in which subordinates are given instructions. Third, to motivate workers to meet the expectations of the manager. Fourth, to maintain discipline; reward those who perform well; provide positive feedback; and be sincere throughout. To determine how good are the results that you get out of your subordinates, output or production; quality and workmanship; and cost and budget are to be considered. The different approaches in directing subordinates are as follows: train unskilled subordinates; consider your subordinates ideas; be accessible; listen actively and ask follow up questions; accept bad news as well as good ones; show that you value an opinion; and assume a “take charge’ role in cases of emergency. The manager must be able to motivate he’s employees in order to get things done. Motivation results