Clarifying Responsibilities and Performance Expectations
Do's
- Do weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each management structure against the styles, abilities and political skills of the Chief of Staff and District/State Director before selecting one that best suits the office’s mission, goals and personnel.
- Do spend the time to carefully consider which management structure is most appropriate for your district/state operation.
- Do delegate district/state responsibilities by office functions or by office regions to prevent communications breakdowns, overlooked details and a lack of coordination.
- Do lessen the likelihood of conflict between managers by clearly defining the roles, responsibilities and expectations of the Chief of Staff and District/State Director.
- Do reap the benefits of improved staff performance and work product by following the five-step performance management system throughout the year.
- Do foster in staff a greater commitment to the office and their work by having them draft their own job descriptions and performance criteria for their manager’s review.
Don'ts
- Don't operate without a well-defined management structure. Conflict results when responsibilities, authority and accountability are not clearly outlined.
- Don't forget to regularly assess your management strategy and structure to ensure it continues to be responsive and viable given your current environment and personnel.
- Don't allow conflicts between offices and staff to go unchecked. Commit to resolving conflict in a positive manner.
- Don't assume that staff know their priorities and what’s expected of them. Clarify in writing their individual and office goals and how their performance will be evaluated.
- Don't discuss money in performance reviews. The purpose is for staff to reflect on their behavior and identify areas for improvement, not make the case for salary increases or bonuses. Deliver compensation decisions separately — before the reviews or well after.
- Don't overlook the value of non-monetary rewards for high-performing staff, which also serve as a motivator and morale booster.
Details
Copyright 2010, Congressional Management Foundation
Paperback: 244 pages
Publisher: Congressional Management Foundation; 3rd edition (March 8, 2010); Reprinted in 2017
ISBN-13: 978-1-930473-13-3
Dimensions: 7.5 x 9.25 inches
- Download the entire book in PDF:
Keeping It Local: A Guide for Managing Congressional District & State Offices(2.5 MB)
Pricing for Hardcopies
Price: $25.00
Bulk Price (10+ copies): $25.00 $22.50 (10% off)
