RightToLead.com

As a manager one can readily spell out expectations from subordinates, but have you ever stopped and thought about what your direct reports might expect from you. Knowing each others expectations is the key to building a successful relationship. The success of the team also hinges on this fact.

The relationship between a manager and his direct reports should be one of openness and trust which is of course a mutual expectation. Other than this, subordinates expect something more from their managers.

The manager has to communicate clearly to his subordinates on where the business is going or the goals of the organization. He has to specify how their part in accomplishing these goals will bring in certain benefits for them. Ideally he should discuss this issue with team members on a quarterly basis so that they are aware of where the team is heading, how significant their work is and how it contributes to the growth of the company.

Consequently, they feel proud of what they are doing. Further, when they know the benefits they can gain in the process, they will work with renewed vigor.

A manager has to set the goals and objectives of the team. Besides this he must give every member their individual goals, the timeframe for accomplishing them. This will help them have more time and effort they invest in each objective. Added to this the manager has to review the performance of each subordinate on a regular basis.

Subordinates expect immediate and specific feedback from managers on their work. They must provide prompt feedback. If someone has done a good job, they should be specifically told what part of their work earned this praise. Similarly when someone makes a mistake, managers should not wait to voice their praise or criticism till the annual appraisal because by then the feedback would have lost its efficiency and value.

As a manager one is expected to make fast and timely decisions on any issue concerning the department. When subordinates come up with a problem, they expect the head to solve them quickly and take immediate decisions. He has to provide a clear, concise and quick solution.

The most important thing is that a manger has to be accessible at all times to his subordinates, he has to be there to sort problems, resolve issues, tackle emergencies and most importantly know what is going on his department. Besides this he has to be ready to hear any kind of bad news from his team and emphasize and support his subordinates when they face a problem.

When a manager can meet the expectations of his subordinates most of the time, it results in better relations between them based on trust, respect and openness. The reward will be better success of the team.