“Asking “Why is this particular task or activity being done?” can help define performance expectations or end results.”
Clear Expectations – Distinguishing
- Understanding the differences between activities (efforts, personal characteristics) and results (outcomes from activities) will help the manager be an effective supervisor. Managers must want results and define those results for their employees. Sometimes asking “Why is this particular task or activity being done?” can help define performance expectations or end results.
Activities from Results
- For example, “supervises employees” is an activity. “Maintains 90 percent customer satisfaction” is a result. “Knows how to repair equipment” is a personal characteristic. Having the knowledge to repair equipment doesn’t mean the employee actually does it, or does it accurately or in a timely manner. “Maintenance of machinery to specs” is a result. “Assists team members” is an activity. A manager must ask himself what the purpose is for assisting.