5 Questions Every New Manager Should Ask

March 18, 2014

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Earlier in my career, I was a journalist. As a correspondent working in a series of countries that were completely foreign to me, I learned the fastest way to get a lay of the land was to have big eyes and big ears. I'd watch all that was around me - and listen to intently to all that was said. And I'd ask questions every opportunity I got. The key was to be curious first, correspondent second. I needed to educate myself before I could educate others through my reporting.

Years later, as a young manager, I remember worrying about what to do on my first day. How would I get a handle on the environment, my staff and my superiors? How could I make sure I did a good job in leading others? Having no idea, I decided to treat the office like the foreign country it was to me. I sat down with everyone on my team, pad of paper in hand, and asked them all about themselves, the office and their work. It turned out that just like most people, they loved an audience. They appreciated the chance to talk to someone who actually listened - and I learned an incredible amount. It was a good way to start a relationship with my colleagues and a great way to prepare myself to work well with them.

I've repeated this process in every job I've had, and over time I've settled on five questions that help me get to know my colleagues, understand how I can be helpful, and surface what could catalyze or confound our collective success. Here is what I ask:

1. Tell me about how you came to be at this company/organization.

This question is my favorite. People often tell much of their life stories, and they share what drew them to their job in the first place. This question yields information on surprising talents, uncovers interesting dimensions of people, and reveals common ground. It also often shows what inspires and motivates your team - which is critical to know as a manager.

2. What is working here?

This question reveals potential bright spots. It also shows what people really like about the organization and their job, which is important for any manager to know.

3. What is not working so well?

I'm always surprised by how honest people are in responding to this question. They are usually quite forthcoming about what needs improvement. Some people are constructive and insightful in their responses, others are petty. How they answer the question tells you a lot about the person and the organizational environment as a whole.

4. What do you hope I will do here?

This question is critical to knowing what kind of help people want. It brings out the role people hope you will play and the changes that they think you should make. Even if people are guarded in their answers, that in itself tells you a lot about the level of wariness you face.

5. Is there anything you hope I will not do?

This question might prompt insights on what people fear and dislike - as well as positive forces people don't want you to undo. You aren't promising that you won't make unpopular decisions in asking this question - but at least you'll know what decisions might be.

In asking all of these questions, it's wise to remind people before and after the conversation that the goal is to learn from them and get their valued perspective on ways to work well together. You need to mean that when you say it. This isn't about gathering intelligence - it's about building a collective intelligence to make everyone successful. And it isn't about hearing - it's about listening. Questions only matter when you think about the answers.

Posted by:

Katya Andresen

25 Part-Time Business Ideas

Looking to earn some extra cash in your spare time? We've got 25 great ways to get started!

BY CARLA GOODMAN | April 30, 2005|

111 Comments |

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Ever dream of running a part-time business while keeping your day job? Want to operate a sideline business along with your current business? Or are you simply curious about entrepreneurship, and want to test the waters before you commit to the world of commerce? Whatever your reason, here are 25 sure-fire ways to get started today with your own part-time business.

Antiques
Make new money from old treasures and have fun doing it! Scout garage sales, estate auctions and flea markets for great buys on antique furniture, toys, clothing and other treasures from the past. Rent space at antique cooperatives, or set up booths at weekend fairs to sell your antiques.

Computer Tutor
Whether you're an expert at Windows or Linux, desktop publishing or Web research, HTML or word processing, you can help anyone enhance their computer skills. Start promoting your computer-training services by teaching classes through organizations in your community which offer adult education courses.

Custom Jewelry and Accessories
Put your creative talents to work designing custom jewelry and accessories. Whether you work with sterling silver or recycled metals, clay or papier-mâché, there's a market for your custom earrings, pins, bracelets, necklaces and belt buckles at art shows, crafts fairs and holiday boutiques.

Espresso Cart
Brew up profits day after day! Specialty coffee drinks generate gross profits of 55.1 to 61.5 percent per cup, says the Specialty Coffee Association of America. So brush up on your coffee drinks, buy or rent an espresso cart, and head for sporting events, concerts and farmers' markets in your community.

Garage and Attic Cleaning/Hauling Service
Nobody likes to spend a weekend cleaning out the garage, attic or garden shed--it's dirty and time-consuming, and when it's done, there's still the task of hauling off all that discarded junk. But if you don't mind putting in the physical labor, a cleaning and hauling service can be a lot of fun. You can usually find a few treasures among the trash which most people are delighted to give away, and you can add to your income by recycling bottles, newspapers and metal castoffs. You'll need a pick-up truck or other vehicle capable of carrying everything from cast-iron sinks to old timbers.

Handyman
If it's broke, you can fix it. Your phone will ring off the hook with calls from homeowners, senior citizens and others who don't want to fix it themselves. Advertise in shopper publications and on bulletin boards, and drop off fliers at real estate offices. Then start repairing everything from leaky faucets to broken windows.

Home Inspection
Buyers need not beware when they hire a home inspector to conduct a complete physical checkup on their dream home. You'll inspect the house for structural problems and refer your clients to the contractors or handymen who can make the repairs. Knowledge of construction and your local building codes will get your business off the ground.

Medical Transcription
Work as an important member of a medical team without leaving your homebased office. There's big demand by hospitals, doctors, dentists, chiropractors and veterinarians who need outside help transcribing patient medical records. Training in medical terminology and linguistic skills will keep your business healthy.

Mobile Home-Entertainment Service
When it's dirty, disconnected or in need of repair, you'll save the day for homeowners who want their stereo, compact-disc player or videocassette recorder in working order. Brush up on your electrical and wiring know-how. Door-to-door fliers and calls to retail-store managers about your services will get your business off to a great start.

Mobile Window Tint
With some training and basic equipment, you'll be seeing plenty of green with your mobile window-tinting business. For best results, have a pager and van ready to help car, van and truck owners prevent heat damage to their vehicles' interiors. Other hot markets: homes, high-rise condominiums and office buildings.

Office and Home Organizer
Attention all neatniks: Help packrats, overworked executives, and other organizationally challenged individuals clean out messy closets, straighten files, and throw out the excess clutter. Putting your knack for neatness to part-time business use is bound to arrange some tidy profits for you.

Personal Chef
What's for dinner, honey? Great home-cooked meals for working parents and busy professionals who hire you as a personal chef. There's plenty of demand for this specialized service. So plan your menu, make out your shopping list, and go to work to satisfy your hungry clientele.

Personal Trainer
Pumping iron; pumping profits. Americans of all ages, sizes and shapes want to keep fit, trim and healthy, and they're willing to hire their own personal coach to exercise correctly. Spread the word about your physical-fitness expertise at health spas, running, swimming and biking clubs, and other athletic outlets.

Picture Framer
Get in the frame with a picture framing service. You can work with gallery owners, artists, portrait photographers and individuals who've purchased a print, painting or fine photo. If you aren't already a framing expert, read up, take classes at a local college or community center, then assemble your tools--including clamps, saws, miter boxes, glue, and a pneumatic or hand stapler. Establish relationships with local artists' groups, galleries, photographers and print shops that can give you their business or refer their customers to you.

Plant Leasing And Maintenance
Got a green thumb and a delivery van? You're all set to service corporations, home builders, health clubs and other businesses who want fresh greenery. Develop a steady clientele with a regular watering, pruning and fertilizing program and a full replacement guarantee.

Records Search
Using specialized databases, you'll search public records on your computer to help your clients find lost loves, check out questionable suitors, track down debtors, verify a contractor's track record, or dig up facts on a business opportunity. Clients include attorneys, businessowners and individuals.

Restaurant Delivery
Whether it's macaroni and cheese or a five-course gourmet meal, at-home meal replacement is fast becoming the newest way to dine. When customers want their restaurant orders "to go," you'll be "on the go" with your restaurant delivery service. A great way to make your late afternoons and weekends extra-profitable!

T-Shirt Design
If you're an artist in search of a medium, why not make T-shirts your canvas? Paint, draw, bead or appliqué your designs on plain T-shirts, and spend your weekends showcasing your art-to-wear at farmers' markets and crafts fairs.

Wallpaper Hanging
Help residential and commercial clients turn drab walls into works of art with your wallpaper-hanging skills. Build a growing business with great referrals and repeat customers. Drop off fliers at paint and wallpaper stores; also, advertise in shopper publications, in homeowner-association newsletters, and on bulletin boards at local supermarkets and malls.

Yoga and Tai Chi Instructor
In today's hectic, fast-paced world, parents, business owners and students alike can benefit from the deep-breathing, relaxation and centering techniques you can teach them. Get started by offering classes at health clubs, through your city's recreation and parks department, or on your own.

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Carla Goodman is a freelance business writer.

by Taboola

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‘Fragile’ Selangor government will force snap polls if PAS MB elected, muktamar told The Malay Mail Online – 25 minutes ago

BATU PAHAT, Sept 20 — A PAS mentri besar in Selangor would result in the party being alienated PKR and DAP, which could then lead to state-wide polls, delegates at PAS’s annual muktamar were warned today.

PAS’s legal and human rights bureau chief Hanipa Maidin said the Selangor government would be a “fragile” one with a PAS MB and that this would likely not be supported by other Pakatan Rakyat (PR) parties.

“If we accept, we cannot run from the accusations that we have broken our promise, and the government we form would be fragile.

“This then will be problematic and end with what we do not want — that is elections,” Hanipa said during the winding-up session of PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang’s keynote address

His remarks were met with loud jeers from PAS delegates and observers.

“You can boo me as much as you want, I will say this based on facts,” the Sepang MP added.

Three Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lawmakers, including two from PAS’s list of candidates to the Sultan, were interviewed by the palace separately earlier this week on their potential to take on the post of mentri besar.

According to a report by The Star today, the three are PAS state executive councillors Iskandar Samad and Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi, and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali.

Citing sources, the English daily reported that the interviews, which took place at Istana Kayangan over the week, were believed to be part of the palace’s process of electing a replacement for outgoing incumbent Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.

The daily also reported sources saying that each meeting with the state ruler lasted more than one hour and that the three men were subsequently told to be on standby pending the palace’s decision on the matter, which is expected to be on Monday.

Iskandar, who is Selangor PAS commissioner and Cempaka assemblyman, and Dr Ahmad Yunus, PAS’s Sijangkang assemblyman, were two of the three individuals named by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang in the party’s list of potential mentri besar candidates to the Sultan.

The Star also reported today that Azmin, who is Selangor PKR chief and Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyman, had informed his party de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of the meeting with the palace.

Citing sources, the daily reported that Azmin did so to prevent any misunderstanding on the matter and Anwar, in his response, purportedly agreed that it was “time to move on”.

Two days ago, the Selangor palace confirmed that a new mentri besar will take the oath of office next Tuesday, but refused to divulge the identity of the individual.

“Yes, it is true. Tuesday morning, the new mentri besar will be sworn in,” the Selangor Sultan’s private secretary, Datuk Munir Bani, told Malay Mail Online when contacted.

The news sent PR leaders into a tizzy and rumours on who the candidate would be began spreading like wildfire.

Tuesday could mark the final chapter in the protracted mentri besar saga that threw Selangor into a leadership crisis and caused fissures that are now threatening to rend the PR pact apart.

The intrigue has pit PR allies DAP, PKR and PAS against each other over their disagreements — first over the removal of Khalid as well as over who his replacement should be.

The senior PAS leadership has consistently stood apart from its PR allies in PKR’s intricate bid to replace Khalid with PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, leading to growing questions over its commitment to the pact and open calls for its exit.

The situation grew more intractable after Abdul Hadi unilaterally named three nominees for the post in accordance with the Sultan of Selangor’s request; PKR and DAP were adamant in naming only Dr Wan Azizah.

Late last night, in what is seen as PKR’s last ditch bid to install Dr Wan Azizah to the post, the party pleaded with the palace for an audience to convince the Sultan of their president’s support among state lawmakers.

The party pointed to the declared support that the PKR president previously secured from 30 state lawmakers in the Selangor assembly, which it insisted was clear proof that she commanded the majority support among the elected representatives.