The Learning Objectives of Managing to Excel

• Recognize differences in right-brain and left-brain thinking.

• Use a systematic thinking model to analyze a situation, conclusion, or decision.

• Pinpoint the underlying reasons behind a situation, conclusion, or decision

• Evaluate all information and assumption for clarity, completeness, and validity.

• Draw logical conclusions based on evidence.

• Recognize the role of values in the interpretation and acceptance of information or conclusions.

• Distinguish between problem solving and decision making

• Analyze a situation for limits, desirables, options and risks.

• Identify when and how to involve others in decision-making.

• Complete a decision matrix.

• Use a 10-step decision-making process to specify desired outcomes, determine criteria, select and evaluate alternative, assess risk, and draw up an implementation plan.

• Follow a four-step problem-solving model.

• Use appropriate problem-solving tools to work a problem through each step in the problem-solving process.

• Apply a model of employee development to match the right leadership approach to the employee's performance level.

• Follow a systematic process for training employees on the job.

• Employee three key coaching activities to build employee confidence and support continued growth.

• Give appropriate feedback to encourage desired performance and correct undesirable behavior.

• Plan for delegating work assignments to employees.

• Analyze an employee's performance.

• Develop strategies for responding to difficult appraisal situations.

• Plan and conduct an appraisal meeting.

• Identify effective counseling behaviors.

• Use a planning tool to prepare for a counseling discussion.

• Follow a 5-step process to conduct a counseling discussion.

• Explain three levels of disciplinary action.

Getting Unbiased Information

• Apply the ABC's of communications (Aim, Bias, Climate) that lead to getting accurate and complete information from others.

• Use a tool for planning to get information that is accurate and complete.

• Probe to get complete and accurate information from others.

• Use reacting skills to create and maintain a positive climate for the sharing of information.

• Evaluate communication effectiveness in terms of Aim, Bias, and Climate.

• Follow a 5-step model to plan for and conduct effective interactions.

• Plan for communicating effectively back on the job.

• Create a mental outline of key points as you listen.

• Distinguish fact from opinion.

• Neutralize "loaded" statements.

• Use the active listening skills of probing, steering, and summarizing to listen effectively.

• Define your key responsibilities in helping to achieve organizational goals.

• Identify strategies for reducing or eliminating common time wasters.

• Plan and organize work in order to gain control of your time.

• Identify the performance, standards, and benefit of your goals.

• Develop standards related to quantity, quality, timeliness, and cost resources.

• Apply five criteria for writing effective goal statements.

• Develop an action plan for achieving your goals.

• Follow a process for sharing your action plans with employees.

• Assess sources of potential resistance to setting goals in your organization.

• Identify elements of effective planning and scheduling.

• Use a work breakdown structure to identify major elements, tasks and subtasks of a project.

• Use a Gantt chart to schedule work.

• Use a work responsibility to assign work to employees.