Manager's Minute 

When you've only got a minute for management you haven't got a minute to waste.

I am going to kick off with an interesting case that we have recently dealt with.

Anyone who knows me knows that I always record all disciplinary, coaching, consulting or counselling sessions that I hold. I also always recommend that if you are going to have meetings like this with your staff then you should do the same.

Just recently we coached a client through the disciplinary hearing procedure and as usual advised that they record the process. For some reason they did not do this. They held the hearing, with a senior member of staff taking minutes.

The outcome of the hearing was that the employee was dismissed. The problems started when the employee contested the minutes and denied that certain processes had been implemented. He is implying that the process was procedurally unfair.

The problem that now arises is the matter of proof, as I am sure you are aware the basic premise in Labour Law is that "in any matter of alleged unfair labour practice the employer is deemed to be guilty until the employer can prove that their behaviour and actions were fair"

Had there been a voice recording this matter could then easily be proved. Now it will be up to the Commissioner to make the call.

I use a very good recorder an Olympus DS-40 but you do not need anything near as fancy as this. For about 600 Rand you can, and you should, get a good digital recorder. The investment is nothing compared with the hassles that it will save you.

That's it for today, I look forward to your comments and experiences related to this message. Mail them to me at johan@motivate.co.za

PS: Please pass this message on to any of your business colleagues you feel may benefit from it.

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Quote for the week

To be a leader without management skills is a recipe for disaster/chaos

To be a manager without leadership skills is a recipe for conflict

To live your best life be true to the YOU, that you want to be.

Live with passion. Change your life from making a living to making a difference.

Live up to the reputation that you want to have.