Nine out of 10 managers default to informal, as-needed communication, rather than structured dialogue organized around the basics. The #1 self-reported time-drain for most managers is “solving problems that never should have occurred,” ranging from errors and delays to conflicts and personnel problems. When not responding to problems large or small, most managers spend most of their management time on five activities:
- Monitoring and responding to various electronic communication.
- Attending meetings.
- “Touching base” with direct reports, informally chatting to build and maintain rapport.
- Interrupting and being interrupted.
- Administrative tasks and conducting formal reviews.
