Explain the "Why" to Employees

Managers sometimes aren't clear with instructions. People are doing work for which they have no idea of its importance or relevance and even how it fits into the larger picture. As a result, tasks are tackled blindly with hit-and-miss results, delays and extra stress.

Solution: Ensure employees understand not only what they're doing but WHY they're doing it. This enables workers to also find better and more efficient ways to achieve goals. Work with your people to help them to set realistic goals, and then measure their progress fairly.

—Terri Levine, CEO of Comprehensive Coaching U,

and author of the new book "Stop Managing, Start Coaching."

She can be reached via the Web site: www.terrilevine.com