There are seven rules that comprise tough management.
These guidelines can help overworked managers make
tough decisions more easily and grow the business:
1. Communicate clearly. Tough management requiresan abundance of communication that is clear, concise,timely and truthful. Clear communication that is clearly
received aligns those creating strategy with those executing
it throughout the ranks.
2. Force the Hard Decisions. It is tough to make the
hard decisions when they need to be made. Managers
need to collect all the necessary information available at
the time, make the decision, communicate it and then
move on. People are at the heart of the toughest decisions,
but they still have to be made.
3. Focus on Results. Tough management demands that
every person identify the results that matter most at any
given time and determine actions that produce those results.
It also means being realistic about what results are being
demanded, and ensuring all parties agree on the necessary
tools and time frame needed to deliver those results.
4. Remain Flexible. Managers need to be organized so
they can change directions quickly to keep pace with the
changing needs of their organization and customers. It
also requires stopping actions — such as institutionalized
tasks, projects or meetings — that waste time. You should
view yourself more as a “virtual enterprise.”
5. Prove Your Value to the Company. You must align
yourself with your company’s values so that you can prove
your value. This translates into accepting new challenges
and becoming the person to whom everyone turns for solutions.
Keep in mind that there is a fine line between proving
your value and the organization taking advantage of you.
6. Force Collaboration. Tough management requires
teamwork at every level. This requires new levels of
information sharing and a willingness to learn.
7. Practice Tough Management Without Being a
Tough Guy. You can deliver valuable results without
being brutal to subordinates in the process. You have to
improve morale, protect the talent, recognize superior
work and provide what is necessary for people to do
their jobs betters.