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"Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall." - Stephen R. Covey

1. The Real Question: Before We Get to Answers

While, the meaning of this statement may seem obvious, it is startling how many misconceptions exist about what "efficient management" and "leadership" actually mean. We hear these terms often in our workplaces and all of us have had experience with good and bad management. However, management seems like a "hit or myth" process. Some people just seem to have exceptional skills in the area while others are feckless... But if we think logically, we realize that management must have a science to it. After all, we know that some businesses (cough, cough Google) consistently do well and could not do so if they were not managed properly. Through a simple analysis of which areas your current management skills excel in and in which areas they are lacking, you can effectively devise a plan to improve your management skills and augment your organization's success.

2. Your Image: It's Important

How are you seen by your employees? Are you feared or despised? Hopefully not. It is a well known fact that if this is the case, your employees will be less productive on purpose to spite you. Being seen as the big bad wolf is not always a good thing (especially when you've got the three little pigs working for you).

Ignoring image is a common mistake which is not only made by those new to a managerial position, but also by experienced managers. Most people have a natural propensity to create unreasonable guidelines for their team and brutally punish anyone who does not live up to their expectations (sort of like Ghenghis Khan and his empire collapsed). This is a horrible and counterproductive way to develop a functioning team. Instead, what we should focus on is not the disciplining of others, but rather disciplining ourselves. Teach by example. Always be punctual. Always be the epitome of excellence. Not only will your team follow suit, they will be in awe of you.

3. Dealing With Employees: Treat 'Em Good

How do you deal with underachievers on your team? This is often the most difficult issue to deal with in any managerial position. Employees that are not motivated = employees that aren't productive = a business which isn't profitable. Now that's not a pretty equation. Let's get something straight: you don't motivate an employee by humiliating, offending, or slandering them. Not only

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