It is all about limited resources.

During my seminars and coaching sessions, I hear one comment very frequently. It goes something like: ‘I know exactly what needs to be done to achieve success in our business. The problem really is that …. ‘. And the I hear comments like my boss is holding me back or not doing his part to support the business, some of my staff or colleagues are not doing their job the way they are supposed to do, not enough budget, staff etc. etc.

There may be some valid points in these arguments, however, for a balanced view, I need to introduce a counter argument.

Management is all about achieving success with limited resources. Of course, it would be better if each colleague performs very well according to our standards or having a free hand in spending money as deemed necessary (by you), etc.

In reality our (management) life is not like that. Yes, we need to push for our ideas to be accepted, however, in many cases they will not be accepted, or others just have a different point of view, or don’t approve. But we need to get the job done anyway and, careful, this is a dangerous option, not blaming other people or circumstances for us not being able to achieve the business objectives. Or even thinking, why should I make the extra effort if all those guys are not doing their job?

To be very explicit, to me it is an absolute career killer if one says: 'Okay boss, i do it your way, but if things go wrong I am not responsible.'

In management, there will always be friction points and limited resources. Rarely things go smoothly. Again, Management is all about achieving success with limited resources, despite the problems.