Managing with head, hand and heart
A better way to manage
Managing with head, hand and heart
A better way to manage
A better manager is someone who adopts a balanced approach to management. We like to think about this balance by using the “Head, Hands and Heart” metaphor.
Head
Head means thinking about what you know – developing your management knowledge and insights. Without this, you might be well-intentioned but un-informed. This may result in well-meaning but ineffective action. For example, action which is lacking focus, clarity or direction.
Becoming an educated, informed manager is a crucial first step to being a happy manager, but it’s not all…
Hand
Hand means applying what you know – making effective use of management skills, tools and actions. Without this you risk simply talking a “good game”. Management is not just about what you know, it’s about what you do: managing yourself and others to get the right things done.
However, knowing what to do and how to do it should always be led by knowing why you are doing it…..
Heart
Heart means understanding the importance of well-being – both in and out of the workplace. Without this, at best you risk ineffectiveness, both in your own performance and in the way you manage others. At worst you risk stress or burn-out, and managing work that’s unfulfilling for yourself and for the people you manage.
We believe that the motivation for managing is much more powerful if it comes from an understanding and practice of well being. Balancing this with appropriate knowledge and practical skills is the way to be a better manager.
For more on this read our articles: The Meaning of Happiness … at work! and What Makes a Great Manager? Or just dive into the Knowledge Hub topics below. But wherever you go, remember to manage with your head, hand and heart!
