If you’ve read about how Netflix has inspired Branson to introduce a vacation policy for Virgin staff which is, in effect a ‘no-policy-holiday-policy’, how did you respond?
In short, all salaried staff can take time off whenever they want for as long as they want, with no need to ask for approval and there’s no need for managers to keep track of the days away. Employees can determine when and if they take time off and how long that should be, PROVIDED that they “feel a hundred percent comfortable that they and their team are up to date on work and that their absence will not in any way damage the business – or for that matter, their careers!” (I quote these words pretty much direct from Richard’ blog and, if you read it carefully, it makes a lot of sense, and so could have enormous potential. Read it and you will see!)
Richard is effectively stating one of the many key recommendations that Creativedge recommends to its clients during its management training sessions as a super effective, logical, approach to team management. Using it would well give people the chance to take that unlimited leave.
Here are 3 Creativedge ‘Top Tips’ which build on Branson’s concept:-
1. Define Roles and Responsibilities
Each team member must clearly understand what they must do, and what they must not do, and how they fit into the bigger picture.
When people don’t understand the impact of their role on others, they start working in silo. Successful teams must understand how each and every person adds value.
2. Manage Performance
Give your people something special to aim for.
Give them encouragement, the resources they need, and the right motivation. Demand and respect the best from them. Successful teams are given regular and specific feedback. Everyone should know exactly what they are performing, and what they need to do if it’s not good enough. Don’t shy away from having the tough conversations, any more than you should shy away from giving credit when it’s due.
3. Communication
And in order for Points 1 and 2 to happen, it is vital team members are clear about the following:-
Do they know the priority of their tasks?
Is there an established method for this team to give feedback and receive honest performance feedback?
Does the company provide important business information regularly?
Do team members communicate clearly and honestly with one another?
Do they bring diverse opinions to the table? Are any conflicts raised and addressed?
Do you think the ‘no-policy-holiday-policy’ could really works?
What happens in your company?
For more top tips for New Managers and other must-have management and personal development tips, visit the new, free, Creativedge ‘Top 10 Tips’ App available for iPhone, Android and Windows smartphones:-
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/top-10-tips/id796349890?mt=8
OR
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.elixsoft.creativedge
