The most valuable lesson I have learned about management over 37 years

I have been self-employed since 1986.

And I have been running businesses in a wide range of industries such as retailing, building/construction, investment and development, and the law business.

One thing I have noticed looking at others operating in the same industry is the importance and value of good, basic, management.

I am not talking about implementing the principles of strategy or management as set out in some academic text book.

I am not talking about the latest fad or trend when it comes to management of business or people.

I am talking about the simple concept of being able to organise one’s affairs in a competent, consistent, timely fashion.

Just the basics. Things like doing what you say you will do when you say you will do it.

Things like showing up on time and being able to manage a calendar.

Things like delegating the tasks that can be delegated and recognising the activities that require my attention and emotional labour.