managing

as a manager, i strive to be honest and judicious.  over the years i've learned that doing this successfully is very much like walking a balance beam.  on one hand, i want to be fair to each employee and/or situation with respect to the team as a whole, and on the other, i know that not every employee is created equal.  so would it truly and rightly be objective then, to treat every case in the same exact manner?

i've read a couple management theories and structures that focus on star performers.  generally, every team has one, and only one.  according to these models, the thought is to spend most of our energy developing the superstars.  but i think these setups are somewhat flawed.  i'm not saying we shouldn't recognize or reward extraordinary accomplishments.  but what happens to good performers who are just shy of superstar status?  wouldn't they notice the "special treatment" and develop some feelings about it?  frustration?  resentment?  and then how does that help the team?  should we just expect them to accept it and sit quietly or look for opportunities elsewhere?  and what about the mediocre performers?  why aren't we utilizing their strengths when we have the chance or finding ways to mentor them to their utmost potential?

i think that in order to be equitable, a manager should look at their people as people, rather than as numbers.  we should consider the individual, not only his/her skillsets and abilities but his/her circumstances as well.  really walk in his/her shoes.  every person has a different method or approach.  every person works in a different capacity.  every person responds in a different manner to different situations.  every person has different motivations.  if we can not only see these distinctions but understand them, it's rather clear how best to handle each staff person.  the struggle becomes carrying this out fluently and consistently.

because i sincerely care about each and every one of my employees, i don't play favorites.  i don't point fingers.  i steer us toward a common goal, while recognizing the role that each of them plays to get us there.  and in order to stay true to all of them, i've often had to be forthright and make difficult decisions.  sometimes i'll be up much of the night weighing my options, determining what i feel is just, realizing my choices ultimately affect them.

it's walking the line, balancing that beam.  maybe one day i'll feel like i've crossed it, ready to jump off (and stick the landing), but for now, it's one foot in front of the other and eyes straight ahead.

this is what management is all about, isn't it?