Line management by numbers

Here’s something I was taught a few years ago about how to adjust your management approach. I’m paraphrasing slightly.

Score your employee out of ten for:

• Current motivation
• Experience in the role
• Skills

Then look at the lowest number of the three.

• 0-3: adopt a tight, management-heavy approach until performance picks up.
• 4-7: take a supervisory, mentoring approach.
• 8-10: occasional coaching is all you’ll need. These are the good times.

It’s a useful shorthand that reminds you to keep a keen eye on someone who’s green, sub-par, or struggling, and allows you to step away as they find their wings.