For most, follow up takes place when they realize that something wasn't delivered, a call wasn't returned, a due date passed, or the next quarter appeared. However, those who know how to and who do execute effectively know that follow-up is unrelenting.
Unrelenting - the failure to perform is not an option, being late, handing in incomplete work, or missing a deadline is unacceptable. The key to this level of on time and on budget delivery is 1) realistic planning and goal setting, 2) the development of individual commitments to deliverables and schedules, and most importantly 3) relenting follow-up.
Unrelenting follow-up only occurs within a structured approach of effective execution. Unrelenting follow-up takes place through regularly scheduled meetings. And, unrelenting follow-up does not tolerate micro-management which is nothing more than admitting there is no schedule, no agreed to expectations and deliverables, and no set timetable and budget.
And very importantly, unrelenting follow-up gives freedom to both the manager and the direct report. When expectations are understood, there is freedom to operate independently within those parameters. |
