How effectively do you use your authority? Key questions: Do people look to you for orders? Are your orders carried out as intended?
Guidelines for issuing directives:
Know what has to be done before telling someone else what to do. Don't worry about all the details. Make sure you know exactly what objectives are to be achieved.
If you have decided upon the approach, tell the subordinate what method to use. When you correct a subordinate after the fact for failing to use the right method, it means that you gave the order poorly.
Fit the order to the intelligence, knowledge and experience of the subordinate. A simple suggestion is enough for some employees. Others require clear commands.
Don't overload an order with details. Keep directives precise and accurate
Make sure the order is understood. Have the subordinate repeat it back to you. (Example: Read it back to me Dave, so we know we're on the same wavelength) be prepared to repeat and clarify.
Put complicated orders in writing. It improves the logic and coherence of the directive.
Give orders in a calm, lucid manner. Anger, impatience or sarcasm only distract and confuse.
Don't give too many orders at once. An overwhelmed subordinate is justifiably confused.
Make sure present orders don't conflict with previous ones. They shouldn't violate lines of authority, either. When there are exceptions. Let the subordinate know you are aware of them - and that you take full responsibility.
Assure the subordinate that you won't interfere, but that you will monitor progress through reports or other checks. Thus you pass along authority to do the job but retain responsibly
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