Commerce · Ch 12 — Directing
Introduction
Introduction
The opening case in the chapter (not reproduced here) makes a simple but powerful point: leadership is not optional for managers — it is essential. Every manager, at every level, must be able to lead. Business organisations have always valued managers who can guide others effectively.
To lead, a manager cannot simply give orders. They must use a range of methods to get work done through people. These methods include motivating subordinates, inspiring them to give their best, and communicating with them clearly and regularly. A manager who can do these things well is practising what is called the directing function of management.
Directing is the thread that runs through all other managerial functions. Planning, organising, and staffing create the structure and the people — but directing brings them to life. It is the function that actually starts action.
The chapter ahead will explore the four key elements of directing:
- Supervision — overseeing work at the ground level
- Motivation — creating the desire to work hard
- Leadership — influencing people to follow willingly
- Communication — exchanging information and understanding
Each of these is a tool in the manager's hands. Used well, they turn a group of individuals into a coordinated, productive team.
Ford has always attracted and nurtured capable managers and technicians, but it has failed to do the same for change agents and leaders. So, as part of the automaker's cultural overhaul, Ford is embarking on a sweeping attempt to mass-manufacture leaders. It wants to build an army of “warrior-entrepreneurs” — people who have the courage and skills to topple old ideas, and who believe in change passionately enough to make it happen.
Ford Motor Company announced key changes to its senior management team as it continues to strengthen its automotive business, improve the company's operational fitness, and accelerate a strategic shift to capitalize on emerging opportunities. In announcing the leadership changes, Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett said Ford is “very fortunate to have an experienced and committed executive team in place to significantly strengthen their business while building towards their vision of becoming the world's most trusted mobility company.” Their objective is to lead business to new levels of operational fitness, product and brand excellence and profitability.
Ford views grassroot leadership as the best vehicle for creating a successful business.
Source: http://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2018/02/22/company-news.html
What it shows: Even a company as large as Ford treats leadership — the ability to influence and energise people toward a shared vision — as something it must deliberately build, not leave to chance. Directing, of which leadership is one element, is about guiding, inspiring and supervising people so that plans actually get executed. That is what this chapter explores.