Man Managing vs. Task Managing

Next-gen business owners constantly seek innovative strategies to boost efficiency and profitability in the rapidly evolving business landscape. A key debate in this quest is whether to focus on man-managing or task-managing. Both approaches have their merits and drawbacks, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.

Man Managing: The People-Centric Approach

Definition: Man managing emphasizes the management of individuals and teams, focusing on their development, motivation, and well-being. It involves understanding the unique strengths and weaknesses of each team member and aligning their roles accordingly.

Pros:

1. Employee Engagement: A people-centric approach fosters a supportive work environment, leading to higher employee satisfaction and retention. According to Gallup, companies with highly engaged workforces outperform their peers by 147% in earnings per share.
2. Talent Development: By investing in employees’ growth, businesses can nurture future leaders and experts within the organization. Google’s “Project Oxygen” found that the most important attribute of a successful manager was being a good coach, highlighting the importance of personal development.
3. Collaboration: Encourages a culture of teamwork and communication, essential for innovative problem-solving. The success of Pixar’s creative process, as detailed in Ed Catmull’s book Creativity, Inc., illustrates the power of collaborative environments.

Cons:

1. Resource Intensive: Requires significant time and effort from managers to understand and cater to individual needs.
2. Subjectivity: This can lead to biases and favoritism, affecting fairness and morale.
3. Scalability: Managing a larger workforce on an individual basis can become challenging and inefficient.

Task Managing: The Efficiency-Centric Approach

Definition: Task managing focuses on organizing and optimizing tasks to enhance productivity. It involves clear delineation of duties, setting specific goals, and tracking progress to ensure timely completion.

Pros:

1. Time-Saving: Task managing is more time-saving than managing manpower. By breaking down projects into smaller tasks and assigning them to specific individuals or teams, you reduce the time spent on coordination and supervision. This method also eases your psyche and reduces mental burnout.
2. Organizational Efficiency: Task management keeps you more organized and efficient. Utilizing tools like Trello, Uppwise, or Jira for managing tasks and assigning them to the right people can streamline workflows. The Scrum methodology, which emphasizes iterative progress through short, focused sprints, can be particularly effective.
3. Decentralized Teams: High efficiency can be achieved by leveraging a decentralized team structure. Automattic, the parent company of WordPress, employs a fully remote team across 70 countries, demonstrating the power of decentralized workforces.
4. Cost-Effective Resources: Task management allows businesses to tap into a global talent pool without the high costs associated with full-time, in-house employees. Freelancers and remote workers often come at a lower cost, providing access to high-end resources without the financial burden of salaries, benefits, and overhead.
5. Focus on Core Functions: If certain tasks cannot be effectively delegated remotely, it indicates that these areas are core to your business and require an in-house team or employee. This helps in prioritizing critical functions while outsourcing non-core activities.
6. Talent Pool Expansion: Engaging with a broader talent pool through task management can lead to better outcomes with less investment. As your business grows, you can identify long-term remote employees who have proven their value and integrate them into your core team, ensuring reliability and continuity. Core teams are best suited for in-house operations, focusing on strategic and sensitive business areas.

Cons:

1. Employee Burnout: Overemphasis on tasks can lead to stress and burnout, negatively impacting employee morale. Balancing task demands with adequate rest and support is crucial.
2. Limited Flexibility: Rigidity in task assignments can stifle creativity and adaptability. Encouraging a degree of flexibility and autonomy can mitigate this risk.
3. Reduced Engagement: Employees may feel like mere cogs in a machine, leading to disengagement and turnover. Regular check-ins and recognition can help maintain engagement.

Striking the Right Balance

For next-gen business owners, the key lies in striking a balance between man-managing and task-managing. Here are some strategies to achieve this balance:

1. Hybrid Approach: Combine the strengths of both approaches by focusing on task efficiency while also investing in employee development and well-being.
2. Use Technology: Leverage digital tools and platforms to manage tasks efficiently while maintaining personalized communication with team members.
3. Continuous Feedback: Implement a feedback loop where employees can voice their concerns and managers can provide regular performance reviews.
4. Flexible Structures: Create flexible organizational structures that allow for both individual growth and efficient task completion.

Case Studies and Examples

1. Netflix: Netflix employs a unique blend of man-managing and task-managing. Their “Freedom and Responsibility” culture empowers employees to take ownership of their tasks while providing them with the support and resources they need. This approach has helped Netflix maintain its innovative edge and rapid growth.
2. Buffer: Buffer, a social media management company, operates with a fully remote team and focuses heavily on task management using tools like Trello and Uppwise. This approach has allowed Buffer to stay agile and responsive to market changes, while also maintaining high levels of employee satisfaction through a strong emphasis on transparent communication and personal development.
3. Automattic: As mentioned earlier, Automattic’s success with a fully remote, decentralized team structure showcases the power of task management. By clearly defining tasks and using digital tools to track progress, Automattic has built a highly efficient and scalable business model.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether man-managing or task-managing is more profitable and efficient. The decision depends on your business’s unique needs, goals, and culture. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and striving for a balanced strategy, next-gen business owners can create a thriving, productive, and engaged workforce.

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References

1. Gallup. (2020). State of the American Workplace Report.
2. Google. (2018). Project Oxygen.
3. Catmull, E., & Wallace, A. (2014). Creativity, Inc..
4. Schwaber, K., & Sutherland, J. (2013). The Scrum Guide.
5. Automattic. (2021). About Automattic.
6. Upwork. (2020). Future Workforce Report.
7. Buffer. (2020). State of Remote Work Report.
8. Netflix. (2021). Culture Deck.
9. Buffer. (2021). Buffer’s Approach to Remote Work.