Rules for Managing an Exceptional Staff, by Guest Writer (My Mom)

Rules for Managing an Exceptional Staff

Frances Fogerson is the Director of Human Resources at Knox County (TN) Government where a highly talented staff makes her look good.

Here are her rules for managing exceptional, highly talented people:

1. Make “fairness” your Number One value. It’s incredibly important to treat people fairly. But remember, “Fairness” has a twin brother and his name is “Consistency.” They should always travel together. If you aren’t applying the rules consistently, it’s just not fair.
2. Find a way to say “yes.” Do you want time off? The answer is always “yes.” But before you ask, make sure we have adequate coverage. If your request is difficult (translation: “expensive”), please help me figure out how I can say “yes.” It might mean waiting for a less expensive alternative, but eventually we’ll get to “yes.”
3. Teach a little, learn a lot. You have more than one chair in your office for a reason. Invite one of your coworkers to sit in when you have an interesting or complex task. Extra eyes and ears and a healthy debate are a great reward. Additionally, those you mentor will help to hone your critical thinking skills. Who couldn’t benefit from a bit of honing now and then?
4. Value the diversity of individuals. Our department differs in gender, race, age, education, religion, politics, economic background and family status. We see ourselves as one team, but we don’t think alike. Our differences give us depth and breadth. What one doesn’t know, someone else does. We are genuinely different – and so much better because of it.
5. Spread the word. We talk a lot at our place. We email, have small group discussions, impromptu updates and regular staff meetings. Because many of our functions are shared responsibilities, we need to keep each other informed. However, let me assure you that I do not tell them everything I know. It’s important to distinguish who is a relevant recipient of information. As I said before, we talk a lot at our place – but we don’t gossip.
6. Turn the pyramid upside down. If you’re a manager, your duties aren’t more important, they’re just yours. Occasionally, put yourself in their place – literally. I try to take my fair share of front office phone duty when we need coverage. This is how I know with certainty where my strength does not lie. You might try being a receptionist for a day – or even an hour. You’ll gain a new respect for the talent of others.
7. Have fun together. Our bi-weekly staff meetings are combined with pot-luck lunches. For each meeting we have a theme such as Beach Party, My Favorite Holiday, or Foods Beginning with the First Letter of Your Name. We also celebrate personal milestones. Recently, we crammed 12 people in a Mini-Cooper in a community competition. It was a hoot! We work hard, but we take time to laugh frequently. That’s how I manage an exceptional staff. It’s just a series of little things – respect, recognition and unity. When we mind the little things, the rest just seems to come together.

*Note from Sarah: Thanks, Mom!! :o)