The For Basic Functions of Management

Before we can lead the people and the organization to a better place, we must first understand the basic functions of management. The four functions of management are a theory defined by Henry Fayor (1841-1925) and they include the four functions that any manager should perform to keep the people and the organization on the right track. These managerial functions are planning, organizing, leading and controlling.

The first function of management is planning. The process in which you develop the organizational goals and determine how they will be achieved. Creating and implementing a vision, establishing a mission statement, and setting and monitoring goals and objectives are all important components of the planning process. For example, a manager of a retail store will need to have a merchandising plan, a marketing plan, and an employee plan. 

The second function of management is organizing. A manager is responsible for organizing the people and implementing the organizational plan of the company or organization. The manager needs to assign work, provide training and direction, and delegate authority in order to reach the goals and objectives outlined in the planning process. 

The third function of management is leading. Leadership goes beyond basic management tasks; instead, it is much more focused on motivating, inspiring, and driving change. Not all managers are good leaders; not all leaders are good managers. Employees follow managers because they have to, but an employee will voluntarily follow the direction of a leader because they believe in the leader, their vision, and the manner in which they motivate and inspire people.

The fourth basic function of management is controlling. The controlling function of management involves monitoring and evaluating performance to make sure that goals and objectives are being met. It is the process which ensures that work is done in the desired way and that plans are properly and effectively implemented.

Whatever discouragement we may feel as to our ability to be a great leader should be minimized when we realize that no one has ever had our exact inheritance and environment, and that we may be fitted to perform a task no one else can accomplish. Such a thought fires the imagination and makes us eager to discover just what our leadership role in the world may be. 

The mind, a powerful machine, built for a useful purpose, is too often allowed to whirl in undirected futility. There is no better way of directing our thoughts than by intelligent use of imagination. By clearly visualizing our goals and objectives. Success, like failure, is first conceived in the mind, and psychologists tell us that imagination is a more powerful factor than will-power.

Brad Hanson is an experienced management consultant, master sales and leadership trainer, and a keynote speaker with 50 years of sales and leadership experience.