Examining your Assumptions

Challenging your own assumptions is one of the first steps in becoming a better manager.

Managers tend to treat their staff according to assumptions they hold about what motivates people. These assumptions create self-fulfilling prophecies in the behavior of the staff. Managers reward what they expect, and consequently only get what they expect. Challenging your own assumptions is one of the first steps in becoming a better manager.

Honestly review every decision you make and every task you delegate. In each case ask yourself what you assumed the staff involved would think and how you expected them to behave. Remember that positive expectations help to produce positive results.

ACTION POINT: Review your decisions and your decision making process.