HOW TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY WITHOUT MICROMANAGEMENT

With skilled labour in relatively short supply, thus increasing the need for employers to maximise the productivity of each worker, human development strategies are essential to achieving better results. Micromanaging workers has proven dangerous and counter productive in seeking to increase productivity. People work better in comfortable environments where they are held accountable for the results. The question, then, that we answer in this week’s column is how do we hold staff accountable to high standards without hovering over them or hiring overlords to run the plantation. Here are eight suggestions for how to do this seamlessly.

1. Hire employees who have a great track record of high accomplishments. The pre-screening, interview process and background checks for each employee should provide you with all the information you need to make a sound and solid decision about the candidate. Hearing the verbal testimony of two former employers and supervisors, and having the employee share examples of what they accomplished in their previous job, provides the evidence - or lack thereof - which should inform your final decision.

2. Hire managers and supervisors who are great at coaching, mentoring and modelling the behaviours and actions you want each employee to demonstrate. Your middle management team sets the pace for the level of productivity you will get on the ground. Tired and lazy managers will produce low-functioning employees every time.

3. Make each deliverable clear for all employees and supervisors to understand. You cannot manage what you have not articulated. Create a project management process with clear action steps, measurement timelines and identify who takes the lead for each part of the process.

4. Have clear lines of communication where employees can reach out for support when they need it with projects. A project is useless without a communication plan. Let the team know the role they have in bringing life to the project. No one should