Frontline managers and frontline leaders have incredible demands on their time.  An alarming proportion of this time isn’t given to areas where it is best spent, making the business more efficient and employees more engaged. 

A recent McKinsey study showed the majority of frontline managers spend most of their time in meetings and dealing with administration.  Another 10 – 50 percent of time is spent on nonmanagerial tasks (travelling, participating in training, taking breaks, conducting special projects, or undertaking direct customer service or sales themselves). 

Administration and meetings are definitely time suckers and sometimes it seems you can’t get through the day without doing these things – however you’d be much better to assess the importance of one meeting a day and swap it for a walk on the floor. 

Get out there with your employees.  See what they’re doing, catch them doing things right and see where you can implement change that will make things easier and more efficient.  This is a great opportunity to directly coach individuals.  You’ll be amazed at how quickly your team responds to your input on the floor. 

Get out of your chair, open your office door, and get out there!

For more information on the McKinsey Study, see www.mckinseyquarterly.com/Unlocking_the_potential_of_frontline_managers_2418