Management has changed.
Teams have changed. Workplaces have changed. Expectations have changed.
And yet, some management practices have somehow survived well beyond their use-by date.
Many of them sound positive on the surface. Being available. Having all the answers. Keeping the peace. Letting people speak to whoever they feel comfortable with.
But when these approaches are used without thought, they can create the very problems managers are trying to avoid: dependency, inconsistency, poor communication and weak accountability.
Here are nine management practices we probably should have left behind in 2009.
1. “My Door Is Always Open”
NEW: Create predictable regular scheduled meetings and encourage people to bring their thinking, not just their problem.
2. “Just Ask Me"
NEW: Ask, “What do you think we should do?” and help people develop their own judgement.
3. “If You Have a Problem, Go Directly to the Person”
NEW: Understand the issue first, then decide whether they need coaching, support or a facilitated conversation.
4. “Just a General Reminder to Everyone…”
NEW: Give the feedback directly to the person. Even if you have to speak to 5 people individually.
5. “Give Them a Feedback Sandwich”
NEW: Give clear, respectful feedback that names the behaviour, explains its impact and outlines what needs to change.
6. “Just Role Model Great Practice”
NEW: Teach the behaviour, explain the thinking, expectations and standards behind it.
7. “Go to Whoever You Feel Comfortable With”
NEW: Educators should know exactly who is responsible for managing, supporting and following up with them.
8. “I Just Need Them to Do Their Job”
NEW: Recognise that part of a manager’s job is to create an environment that supports motivation, engagement and high performance.
9. “It’s Common Sense, Isn’t It?”
NEW: Be explicit about expectations, standards and what “good” actually looks like in your team.
Good Management Has Changed
The old image of a great manager was often someone who was always available, knew all the answers, solved everyone’s problems and kept everyone happy.
Good management is no longer about becoming the person everyone depends on.
It is about building a team that can think, act and perform without needing you to solve everything for them.
Author: Adrian Pattra-McLean is a management consultant and founder of Farran Street Education with a Master of Education (Ed. Psychology). He is currently facilitating the "Management Skills for Nominated Supervisors" 
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