Question

New customer management database software has just been introduced to your company to enable more efficient customer service. The software reporting function has made you aware that some of the customer service staff may need to be trained. You confirm this need with the customer service manager. Use dot points to explain at-least four approaches managers should use to ensure staffs have the skills to implement the business plan and meet performance measures. Answer the following examples from your own organization.
1. What might happen if a manager does a poor job allocating resources?
2. List some essential skills a manager needs to be able to accurately identify the required resources. Discuss at-least three skills.
3. As a manager, how would you conduct a search and generate a report on your organizations legislative requirements. List and discuss at-least five requirements for the organization.
4. Expalin how the SMART model can be used to evaluate your organizations business plan.
5. Imagine in your organization, you have a team member who never seems to complete their work on time. Using the GROW model, list the questions you will ask this team member improve his or her performance.

Answer 1

And) 1) Over-allocation is a killer
There may be a lack of visibility into available resources, poor communication could result in people not knowing who's doing what, or a lack of realistic expectations might cause projects to go over budget and take too long to complete.

2) Essential management skills that any manager ought to possess for them to perform their duties:
Planning.
Communication.
Decision-making.
Delegation.
Problem-solving.
Motivating.

3) Workplace policies and procedures –
- Work health and safety.
- Anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunity.
- Occupational Health and Safety.
- Use of company property.
- Use of social media.
- Drug and alcohol use.
- Employee performance management and discipline.

4)

SMART is an acronym for the 5 elements of specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based goals. It’s a simple tool used by businesses to go beyond the realm of fuzzy goal-setting into an actionable plan for results.

Specific:
Great goals are well-defined and focused. “Obtain two new billion dollar corporate clients in the Boston property insurance market” is more meaningful to mobilize your team than “Get more business.” Ryan Blair, The Goals Guy eloquently states,"Focus creates a powerful force: goal power. The moment you focus on a goal, your goal becomes a magnet, pulling you and your resources toward it. The more focused your energies, the more power you generate."

Measurable:
A goal without a measurable outcome is like a sports competition without a scoreboard or scorekeeper. Numbers are an essential part of business. Put concrete numbers in your goals to know if you’re on track. A goal white board posted in your office can help as a daily reminder to keep yourself and your employee focused on the targeted results you want to attain.

Attainable:
Far too often, small businesses can set goals beyond reach. No one has ever built a billion dollar business overnight. Venture capitalists and angel investors discard countless business plans of companies with outlandish goals. Dream big and aim for the stars but keep one foot firmly based in reality. Check with your industry association to get a handle on realistic growth in your industry to set SMART goals.

Relevant:
Achievable business goals are based on the current conditions and realities of the business climate. You may desire to have your best year in business or increase revenue by 50%, but if a recession is looming and three new competitors opened in your market, then your goals aren’t relevant to the realities of the market.

Time-Based:
Business goals and objectives just don’t get done when there's no time frame tied to the goal-setting process. Whether your business goal is to increase revenue by 20% or find 5 new clients, choose a time-frame to accomplish your goal.