Magic Manager List
August 29, 2008 by Phil Gerbyshak
Filed under Business
Management expert (and a dear friend of mine) Rosa Say has an amazingly powerful tool for all managers, called the Magic Manager’s List.
Here’s how you do it.
First, take 1 piece of regular white paper, 8.5 x 11, and fold it into 3 even columns.
Next, add the following 3 column headings.
- What I must Do to Honor my Word
- Who I need to Follow-up with, and By When
- Why it is so Important to Them, and thus, to Me.
Last, go read the rest of Rosa’s article to find out what you’ll do with the 1 list every manager must work with and understand how you can fill your sheet, and your direct reports, with meaningful stuff.
It’s so simple, yet so powerful, you’ll be amazed you didn’t do this sooner. I am!
If you’re not familiar with Rosa Say, check out what we said about her as October 2007’s Golden Slacker Inductee.
Flickr photo courtesy of Hey Paul
Aloha Phil, mahalo for the pointer my way.
I like “Magic Managers List” way better than the title I chose… may have to do a quick edit!
Of all I might suggest in their toolboxes, the managers I coach consistently say this is their favorite one (not to mention that it’s the quickest and easiest one) for it dramatically improves their credibility with those they work with. I truly think most managers have good intentions; we just have so much going on we forget to follow-up one time too many.
There’s no denying that paper and pencil remains pretty potent in our daily productivity.
Rosa,
You are so good at creating simple, elegant, and powerful tools for managers. Thank you for all your contributions to the power of everyday management magic.
David
When in consulting, I learned the importance of keeping my commitments, no matter how small. I have carried this over to my role as manager and keep a book with me at all times to jot down any commitments I make. This magic list is elegant and effective, and forces the follow-up, which I agree is key.
Great post!
Nice list. Straight and to the point.
I especially like number 2, “follow-up”. In this hectic world, taking the time to follow up can make you stand out. People love it, they appreciate it, and they invest more in you because of it.