How to Get Rid of Monkeys on Your Desk and Manage Teamwork Efficiently

leadership

Apr 13

Have you ever felt like you are running a zoo instead of managing a team? Are you tired of having to deal with all the problems that come your way? If so, you are not alone. Many managers find themselves in this situation, where they have to deal with all the issues that their team members bring to them. This can be overwhelming and stressful, and it can lead to burnout. However, there are ways to prevent and get rid of the monkeys on your desk.

What are Monkeys on Your Desk?

Before we dive into how to get rid of the monkeys, it’s important to understand what they are. In management terms, a monkey is a problem or a task that is not your responsibility, but it has been passed on to you by someone else. It’s like having a monkey on your back that you can’t get rid of. When a team member comes to you with a problem, they are essentially passing their monkey onto you. If you take charge of the problem, the monkey leaps onto your desk, and eventually, you end up with all the monkeys.

The Consequences of Having Monkeys on Your Desk

Having too many monkeys on your desk can have several consequences. First, it can lead to burnout. When you are constantly dealing with other people’s problems, it can be exhausting, and it can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Second, it can lead to inefficiency. If you are spending all your time dealing with other people’s problems, you may not have enough time to focus on your own work. This can lead to missed deadlines and poor performance. Finally, it can lead to a lack of trust from your team members. If they see that you are unable to manage your workload and are constantly overwhelmed, they may lose faith in your ability to lead.

How to Prevent Monkeys from Coming Your Way

The best way to deal with monkeys is to prevent them from coming your way in the first place. Here are some tactics to prevent monkeys from coming your way:

Set Clear Expectations: One of the main reasons why team members pass their monkeys onto their managers is because they are not clear on what their responsibilities are. Make sure that each team member knows exactly what they are responsible for and what they are not responsible for. This will help prevent them from passing on their monkeys to you.
Encourage Problem-Solving: Instead of taking charge of every problem that comes your way, encourage your team members to come up with their own solutions. This will not only help prevent monkeys from coming your way, but it will also help develop your team members’ problem-solving skills.
Delegate: Delegating tasks to your team members can also help prevent monkeys from coming your way. Make sure that each team member has a clear understanding of their responsibilities, and delegate tasks accordingly.

How to Get Rid of Monkeys on Your Desk

If you already have monkeys on your desk, don’t worry, there are ways to get rid of them. Here are some tactics to get rid of monkeys on your desk:

Give the Monkey Back: When a team member brings a problem to you, instead of taking charge of it, give the monkey back to them. Ask them what their proposed solution is, and encourage them to take ownership of the problem.
Set Priorities: When you have multiple monkeys on your desk, it can be overwhelming. Set priorities and tackle the most important tasks first. This will help you manage your workload more efficiently.
Say No: Sometimes, you just have to say no. If a team member is passing on a monkey that is not your responsibility, it’s okay to say no. Explain that it’s not your area of expertise or that you don’t have the capacity to take on any additional tasks at the moment.
Coach and Mentor: Coaching and mentoring your team members can help prevent monkeys from coming your way in the first place. By developing their problem-solving skills and giving them the tools they need to succeed, you can empower them to take ownership of their own tasks and responsibilities.

Tips for Managing Teamwork Efficiently

Preventing and getting rid of monkeys is just one aspect of managing teamwork efficiently. Here are some additional tips:

Foster Communication: Encourage open communication among your team members. This will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Provide Resources: Make sure that your team members have the resources they need to do their job effectively. This can include training, tools, and support.
Recognize Achievements: Recognize and celebrate your team members’ achievements. This will help boost morale and motivate your team to continue performing at a high level.
Lead by Example: As a manager, it’s important to lead by example. Make sure that you are setting a good example for your team members by being organized, efficient, and proactive.

Conclusion

Managing a team can be challenging, especially when you have to deal with other people’s problems. However, by preventing monkeys from coming your way and getting rid of the ones that do, you can manage your workload more efficiently and avoid burnout. Additionally, by fostering communication, providing resources, recognizing achievements, and leading by example, you can create a positive and productive work environment for your team. Remember, it’s okay to say no and delegate tasks to your team members. By doing so, you can empower them to take ownership of their own responsibilities and develop their problem-solving skills.