Quite often managers are placed in their role because of experience and performance in a previous role. They are often the resident expert in their department. Sadly though, as a result of being the expert, a large number of managers end up falling into the role of Fireman, or Fireperson for our more politically correct folks. The Fireman sits in his office waiting for the next problem or crisis. He gets the call, quickly puts out the fire, loads up the truck and heads back to the station, standing by for the next fire. If that’s your primary role as a manager, then you’ve failed… or possibly you’re not equipped to succeed. To keep this short, let’s focus on the tools to succeed.
Tool #1 – The daily meeting: A manager should be meeting with her best employees for a few minutes, every day. Reviewing daily expectations, productivity, prospects and successes.
Tool #2 – The weekly team meeting: This is team oriented so don’t manage in the meeting and turn a simple 15-minute meeting into a 2-hour waste of time. Recognize a hero for remarkable performance. Review team success and sales. Deal with miscellaneous items that apply to the team.
Tool #3 – Tracking: The first two tools cannot be used without some type of system or process to track your team’s individual and overall sales, prospects and advocates. With a simple tracking system, that employees will actually use, a manager will then have the ability to hold her employees and team accountable to the bank. Weaknesses and strengths can clearly be seen. You’ll have the ability to accurately and effectively recognize employees.
As a leader in your bank, when tracking effectively, you can easily separate the Managers from the Firemen, with a few simple questions, based on what you see in the tracking system. Provide the tools to your managers and put an end to the status quo.
