16 Management interventions

 

This chapter covers

  • Implementing effective management interventions
  • Building and maintaining team cohesion
  • Conducting comprehensive candidate interviews
  • Mastering time management for technical managers

In Chapter 15, we discussed the routine tasks that form the backbone of a manager’s weekly, monthly, and yearly responsibilities. But management is not just about handling routine tasks. Some parts of a manager’s role can be less predictable and more challenging, such as managing different personalities and dealing with constant changes within a team. Personal hardships can affect performance and addressing the effects of these issues on the team, as well as integrating new members, requires a specialized set of management skills.

This chapter transitions from the essentials of management to intervention strategies. These strategies demand mental energy, thorough documentation, and a deep sense of compassion and understanding. Here, we focus on managing emotions and being clear and direct in communication. Possibly the least enjoyable aspect of a manager’s role, these intervention guidelines help maintain a healthy, productive team environment in the face of emotional and personnel challenges.

16.1 Management intervention guidelines

16.1.1 Memos, warnings, and write-ups

16.1.2 Constructive feedback

16.1.3 Performance improvement plans

16.2 Team cohesion

16.2.1 Anonymous feedback

16.2.2 Team building

16.3 Interviewing candidates

16.4 Time management for the hands-on technical manager

16.5 Summary

16.6 Prompts used in this chapter