Bare management
According to a study for Sky TV nearly 50% of us have imagined our boss naked. I can honestly say that I do not fall into that category, justifiably, because my dad is my boss!
We are often advised to imagine our interviewers naked or a naked audience during a nerve wrecking presentation to ease the stress . I am suggesting that a truly empathetic management will incorporate some of the following bare essentials of naked management:
Are you decent?
Keeping cool
Naked management involves keeping cool under stressful situations. Your staff need to know that they can rely on you to sort any challenges. If you are stressed your team will become stressed.
Looking good in the mirror
Make sure you are upbeat and positive. Staff will mirror their boss’s behaviour.
Courage
To be a naked manager you need real courage to delegate and allow your staff to make important decisions. Allowing them to make mistakes is also vital for learning. It’s important that they have their own responsibilities and can clearly see how they contribute and fit into the picture.
Expose yourself
Your team needs to know that you will really listen to them and take all concerns very seriously. Allow them to feel they can approach you by taking an interest in their lives and sharing things about your own personal life.
Weight issues
Does my bum look big? Praise, recognition and even more praise. Your team shouldn’t have to wonder what you think of them or if you recognise their effort. Show your praise openly and do nice things for them.
Bare all
Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not, your staff will see through the bravado and distrust you. Openly admit to your mistakes and don’t be afraid of looking weak. Asking your staff for help/opinions will empower them and show you value their input.
No hiding
Deal with issues immediately, you can delegate but you shouldn’t hide from confrontation. You will need to remind your guys that you are the ultimate decision maker from time to time. It really helps to have clear rules from the start so everybody knows what the boundaries are and you ensure that everybody is treated fairly. Our staff handbook is invaluable for setting out procedures and policy (we are constantly adding to it when a new situation presents itself).
Not everyone is cut out to be the boss and as a business owner it’s important to recognise your strengths as well as weaknesses. You may need to consider employing a manager and conducting some naked interviews!
Does anyone have any more naked management tips?
