Effective management is key to success in any organization. One approach to management that has gained popularity is “The New One Minute Manager” by Ken Blanchard. This book offers a simple and practical approach to managing people, which involves three steps and tools you can use.
I thought this book was interesting and enjoyed the storytelling behind the key lessons. It also talked about the different leadership styles of the One Minute Manager with examples of how to use this approach in different situations. Let’s get into it!
“Effective leaders help others to understand the necessity of change and to accept a common vision of the desired outcome.”
What Are the Three Steps of the One Minute Manager?
The One Minute Manager’s approach is based on three steps: One Minute Goals, One Minute Praisings, and One Minute Re-Directs. Each secret plays a crucial role in effective management.
The First Step: One Minute Goals
The first secret of the One Minute Manager is the One Minute Goal. This involves setting clear and concise goals that can be achieved in a short amount of time.
One Minute Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
Benefits of One Minute Goals include increased productivity, motivation, and accountability. By setting clear goals, employees know what is expected of them and are more likely to take ownership of their work.
To set One Minute Goals, the One Minute Manager should follow three steps:
- Agree on the goal
- Write it down
- Review it regularly.
An example would be:
- “Increase sales by 10% in the next quarter”
- “Complete project ‘A’ by the end of the month.”
The Second Step: One Minute Praisings
The second secret of the One Minute Manager is the One Minute Praise. This involves giving specific and timely feedback to employees when they do something right. One Minute Praisings should be honest, sincere, and focused on the behavior, not the person.
Benefits of One Minute Praisings include:
- Increased motivation
- Job satisfaction
- Self-esteem.
By acknowledging employees’ efforts and successes, the One Minute Manager can create a positive work environment and foster a culture of appreciation.
To give One Minute Praisings, the One Minute Manager should follow three steps: praise the employee immediately, be specific about what the employee did right, and encourage the employee to continue the behavior.
Examples of One Minute Praisings include:
- “Great job on completing project B on time”
- “Your presentation was clear and engaging.”
“Catch people doing something right.”
The Third Step: One Minute Re-Directs
The third secret of the One Minute Manager is the One Minute Re-Directs. This involves giving specific and timely feedback to employees when they do something wrong. One Minute Re-Directs should be focused on the behavior, not the person, and should offer a solution or alternative behavior.
Benefits of One Minute Re-Directs include:
- Improved performance
- Increased accountability
- Reduced conflict.
By addressing problems immediately and constructively, the One Minute Manager can prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.
To give One Minute Re-Directs, the One Minute Manager should follow three steps: describe the mistake or problem, explain why it is a problem, and offer a solution or alternative behavior.
Examples of One Minute Re-Directs include:
- “I noticed that you missed the deadline for project C. This causes delays for the team. In the future, please make sure to prioritize your tasks”
- “Your tone of voice came across as rude during the meeting. Please try to be more respectful and professional.”
The One Minute Manager’s Tools
The One Minute Manager’s approach is supported by three tools: the Goal Setting Sheet, the Praisings Form, and the Re-Directs Form. These tools help the One Minute Manager to implement the three secrets and to keep track of progress.
You can get the sheets and find more info in the book: Check it out on, Amazon
The Goal Setting Sheet is a tool that helps the One Minute Manager to set and track One Minute Goals. The sheet includes the goal, the deadline, and the action steps required to achieve the goal. It also includes a section for tracking progress and a space for comments.
The Praisings Form is used to give One Minute Praisings. The form includes the name of the employee, the behavior that was praised, and the reason why it was praised. It also includes a space for comments and a section for tracking progress.
The Re-Directs Form is used to give One Minute Re-Directs. The form includes the name of the employee, the behavior that needs to be corrected, the reason why it needs to be corrected, and the solution or alternative behavior. It also includes a space for comments and a section for tracking progress.
Leadership and the One Minute Manager
The One Minute Manager approach to leadership involves four different styles:
- Directing
- Coaching
- Supporting
- Delegating
The One Minute Manager should adapt their leadership style to different situations based on the employee’s development level and the task at hand.
The Directing style is used when the employee is new to the task and requires a lot of guidance.
The Coaching style is used when the employee has some experience but still requires guidance and feedback.
The Supporting style is used when the employee is experienced and confident but still requires occasional guidance and feedback.
The Delegating style is used when the employee is experienced and self-directed.
Criticisms of the One Minute Manager Approach
While the One Minute Manager approach is widely praised, it has also received criticism. One criticism is that the approach is too simplistic and does not take into account the complexity of real-world management situations. Another criticism is that the approach does not encourage long-term development or strategic thinking.
Counterarguments to these criticisms are that the approach is meant to be a starting point for effective management and can be adapted to different situations. The approach also emphasizes the importance of setting and achieving goals, which is a crucial aspect of long-term development and strategic thinking.
Conclusion: The Benefits of the One Minute Manager Approach
The One Minute Manager approach is a valuable tool for effective management in any organization. By focusing on clear goals, specific feedback, and constructive problem-solving, the One Minute Manager can create a positive work environment and foster a culture of accountability and appreciation.
Try it out at work, or even at home with the kids. We all can use a little encouragement.
FAQs:
Q: Can the One Minute Manager approach be used in all types of organizations?
A: Yes, the One Minute Manager approach can be adapted to different types of organizations and industries.
Q: How long does it take to see results from the One Minute Manager approach?
A: The One Minute Manager approach can lead to immediate results, such as increased motivation and productivity. However, it is important to continue to use the approach consistently over time to see long-term benefits.
Q: Is the One Minute Manager approach suitable for all types of employees?
A: Yes, the One Minute Manager approach can be adapted to different employee development levels and personality types. The approach emphasizes the importance of individualized feedback and support.
Q: Can the One Minute Manager approach be used remotely?
A: Yes, the One Minute Manager approach can be used remotely, although it may require some adaptation. The Goal Setting Sheet, Praisings Form, and Re-Directs Form can be used digitally, and video conferencing can be used for feedback and coaching.
⚡Peak Enlightenment…
A million seconds is about 11 days. A billion seconds is just over 31 years. Take for example: As you seek to obtain wealth — seek to reach that “millionaire” status — you are becoming poorer in your time currency. It’s an exchange, but is it equal?
For me, at 33 years-old, I may only have 1.5 billion seconds left to live. Question is, “Is the time spent getting money worth the trade-off? Or is there a treasure whose value surpasses that of time, which holds a greater exchange proposition?”
Matthew 6:19–21 “…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
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