They Didn’t Show Me How to Do It…
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Summary
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I learned from my first job at Subway that clear instructions are more helpful than criticism. It's better to guide someone with specific steps, like telling them exactly how to make a sandwich, rather than just pointing out mistakes.
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When teaching or managing others, it takes more skill and intelligence to provide constructive guidance. This approach reduces resentment and improves understanding.
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Many people in leadership roles may lack the skills needed to manage effectively. I've experienced situations where I was led by someone who didn't know how to properly guide their team, which was frustrating.
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If you're in a position to manage or teach others, always aim to provide clear, step-by-step guidance to help them succeed.
Video
How To Take Action
I would suggest implementing clear and specific instructions when you're managing or teaching others. Instead of pointing out what’s wrong, guide them through the steps they need to take. For example, if someone needs to learn a task, break it down into simple, understandable steps. This builds trust and reduces frustration.
A good way of doing this is by preparing a list of instructions or a simple guide for common tasks. This doesn’t take much time or money but adds great value. People will appreciate knowing exactly what’s expected, and it helps avoid repeated mistakes.
If you’re leading a team, practice active listening to understand their needs or where they might struggle. This shows you care about their success and are willing to support them, creating a positive team environment.
Another important thing is to lead by example. Show the behavior and work ethic you expect from others. When people see you doing things right, they're more likely to follow suit.
Lastly, spend some time reflecting on how you communicate. Are your instructions clear? Do people understand them? Adjust based on the feedback you get. This continual learning approach will help you become a more effective leader or teacher.
These small, high-impact changes can significantly improve how you manage others and help create a more productive and harmonious working environment.
