If you don’t have children, you may not get this, but managing employees is a lot like parenting.
I’m not being condescending, but if you’re a parent, you will understand the analogy. If you ask your kids to do something, do you assume they’ll do it? No way. You have to follow up and make sure they do it right. You’re going to have to manage your employee developmental process exactly the same way.
It’s never as simple as just saying, “Okay, David, you’re hired. Do what I tell you, and things will be great.” You have to refine your working relationship with your people as you go along. There is no blueprint for success. You have to find out how to communicate with and motivate each individual. You have to know when a certain employee needs encouragement versus a stern talking to.
