How does a manager know what to look for to evaluate the in basket exercise?
The example below outlines the fact that in order to evaluate the selection and training of employees, we as managers need to set clear parameters and definitions for the role that we are hiring or training the employees.
The Public Service Commission of Canada clearly defines the Ability to Manage: The manager must identify and evaluate personnel, operational, organizational, and budgetary priorities. The manager initiates and oversees the implementation of effective plans and activities in response to or in anticipation of changing demands. These demands may relate to programs, projects or financial matters, or the needs of personnel, management teams, senior management, clients or the public. Addressing these issues involves horizontal collaboration, or working with other units or departments at the same level of the organization on related matters, as well as vertical collaboration, to achieve the organization's objectives through exchanges between different levels of the organization. The manager facilitates partnerships with relevant external organizations and consults with key players within the organization on the future direction of these partnerships. The manager ensures that human and financial resources are used effectively and establishes the necessary feedback mechanisms for monitoring activities and costs. Taking into consideration the capabilities and responsibilities of every staff member, the manager ensures that activities are assigned fairly and optimally. The manager provides staff with effective guidance and supports their development to promote an environment of continuous learning. As you can see, the description is very specific on what constitutes an effective manager in the Public Service. Every candidate for that In-Basket exercise should be thoroughly familiar with the definition since that is what is used to rate the answers. The candidates are then evaluated on their scores of the competencies such as analysing, problem solving, delegating, managing programs, planning and organizing. There is a 180 day wait period before a candidate can rewrite the test. |