Category: Management

Stop Blaming Employees for Inefficiency: The Problem Lies in Management

2025-08-29

This article criticizes the common practice of blaming employees for multitasking and lack of focus due to a lack of self-discipline. The author argues that the root cause lies in management's failure to effectively prioritize tasks, leading employees to juggle multiple unprioritized tasks, resulting in low efficiency. The article points out that so-called "productivity tools" like Asana and Trello actually shift the responsibility of management onto employees, exacerbating the problem. True productivity tools are those whose absence would significantly impact workflow, unlike management tools. The author calls on management to take responsibility, improve organizational culture, and address the underlying issues of employee burnout and lack of focus, rather than placing the blame on employees.

Management

From Zero to One: A Manager's Focus Cultivation

2025-07-31

The author shares his three management experiences. The first attempt failed due to focusing on programming and neglecting management tasks; the second attempt improved but was still unsuccessful. Finally, in his third full-time management role, he significantly improved his focus and achieved remarkable progress by using methods such as single-tasking, avoiding commitment overload, and timeboxing for trivial tasks. The article explores the importance of focus in knowledge work and how to cultivate focus, avoid distractions, and improve efficiency.

Why Complaining as a Manager is Organizational Poison

2025-06-04
Why Complaining as a Manager is Organizational Poison

This article argues that commiseration, especially with direct reports, is detrimental to organizational health. While seemingly harmless, complaining erodes trust, fosters negativity, and prevents problem-solving. The author suggests managers should prioritize objective problem-solving, guiding teams toward solutions rather than dwelling on complaints. Techniques like asking clarifying questions and reframing negative opinions into constructive feedback are key to fostering a productive work environment.

Management

Precision in Management Communication: Why Your Words Matter

2025-04-08
Precision in Management Communication:  Why Your Words Matter

This article highlights the critical importance of precise language in management. Vague phrases, like "you're doing well, but communication could improve," lead to inconsistencies in performance reviews. The author provides numerous examples across various scenarios, including performance evaluations, goal setting, and hiring, demonstrating how to replace ambiguous statements with specific data and actions. For instance, replace "always" with "consistently," and vague timelines like "soon" with concrete dates. The article emphasizes that written documentation forces more precise language, ultimately improving management effectiveness.

Management management skills

Beyond Levels: Rethinking Management Roles

2025-03-21
Beyond Levels: Rethinking Management Roles

The author critiques common corporate practices like rigid leveling systems and annual performance reviews, arguing they fail to accurately reflect employee value. The core of the article distinguishes three fundamental management roles: Manager, Director, and Vice President. The difference isn't titles or headcount, but responsibility and mindset. Managers execute tactical plans; Directors create and execute plans; Vice Presidents create strategic plans and are accountable for results, even if the plan was approved but ultimately failed. The author encourages VPs to think independently and embrace risk, rather than simply executing someone else's plan.

Management