Results Management: Effective People Management to Achieve Excellent Results

Introduction: Selecting a management system to enhance productivity

A system is an operating entity that links and integrates elements, parts, structures, processes and sub-systems into a functioning whole.

For the CEO of the local enterprise mentioned in the Preface, a management system was necessary for his organization to differentiate itself, compete better and grow faster.

However, not all management systems ensure functionality. Some can be more dysfunctional than effective and can induce unproductive behavior in the workplace. This can be the result of system weaknesses, poor implementation or a combination of the two. Therefore, choosing the appropriate management system to get work done through and with people to achieve results is an important management undertaking.

The following discourse with a training manager on her organization's training needs led to a review of a common management system, the organization's performance-appraisal system.

Ascertaining Training Needs for a Management System

I was working as an external consultant with a large organization, Resu Co., whose Training Manager, Tracy Chan, was briefing me on the organization's training needs and programs for the ensuing year. Her assessment included the need for line managers and supervisors to be better trained on how to conduct performance-appraisal interviews and make appropriate ratings.

"We have conducted several training sessions which were well rated," Tracy explained,"but many of those who have been ...