Assuming that he will now return our idea is to give him a Christmas present that may make our life more bearable in 2013 and use this blog to do that. It hasn't taken us long to crack his password, given that his idea of security is to leave the light on when we're closed. If you want to add to the blog yourselves the password was written on a Post It note stuck to the front of his computer called SHOPPING LIST.
So here it is - a good leader's top 10
1. A thank you
As Alex Ferguson has just told the Harvard Business School,
"For a player – and for any human being – there is nothing better than hearing ‘well done’. Those are the two best words ever invented in sport.”
This applies to anyone from millionaire sportsmen to millionaire museum staff and all millionaires in between.
2. Direction
Don't tell us what to do - we know that. Tell us why we're doing it. How does our small contribution fits into the overall picture. It would really help if this direction was a clear vision - or in our case any vision at all would help.
3. Help us change
If you want us to do something new, tell us why - if we can see it will improve things then we'll buy into it
If you want us to do something new, how about some training and support?
If you want us to do something new, give us time to get use to it.
If you want us to do something new, don't give up on us if we still don't get it and go back to the old ways - that really pisses us off.
If you want us to do something new, complete the first change before you start the next one.
4. Prioritise
Do it now! That's fine if it is a single important job - not if its everything you do. Give us the priorities we'll work out the timescales and resources.
5. Fun
We work in a life affirming sector dealing with visitors who are enjoying cultural social activities. Why not have fun doing it? When was the last time 'fun' was part of management thinking? Surprise surprise happy staff are more productive staff, are less ill and give a much more positive impression to customers. The 'happy museum' should not just be a nice idea but a core value, yet so often management sucks the life out of our work.
6. Support us to become a team
This may be a shock to management, but we all are trying our best for the benefit of the organisation - we might do it differently, we might do it at different speeds, we might do it in a different order (see 4) - but we are doing it. Recognise that, and work with us to blend our strengths into a real team. You could start by remembering our names.
7. Be part of the team
Do you ask us to do unpaid overtime? Do you ask us to work late regularly? Do you refuse leave at busy times of the year? Do you do the same? When reception is overrun with 5 year old school children - where are you? When there is an angry customer - where are you? When it's your round at the bar - where are you? If you are with us then we are with you.
8. Admit your mistakes
You are our leader, but you are not perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. If you do so, then admit it say sorry and we move on having learned our lessons. It applies to all human activity, a museum manager is not exempt. Mistakes are allowable, but not repeatable. If a manager does not admit to them then he/she is bound to repeat them.
9. Stay calm
We need a cool head in times of crisis. Stay calm, analyse the situation and then be decisive. Do not shout and look for people to blame - you are just making the situation worse. We all make mistakes (see 8).
Finally
10. Install a tanning bed
We started with Alex Ferguson and so we shall end with him. To cope with the lack of vitamin D for those living in northern climes he has installed two tanning beds at the Manchester United training ground. Given our position just north/south of Yorkshire, it would shout volumes for staff care if our curator could pop himself on a tanning bed for 10 minutes after a hard day's accessioning.
And thus sheep might turn into lions
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all managers and leaders for an enlightened 2013
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