Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Staff Work by Colonel (ret) Hannu Hyppönen

How does the work in international staff differs from the so-called normal work?

I had the opportunity to serve in demanding crisis management operation in the spring in 2011. I prepared for the task in Finland and abroad, as well as orientated by my predecessor "on the spot".

Quantity - enhancing the capability

The number of daily working hours will be doubled (from 12 to 24 hours) and a five-day working week changes into seven days. HQ Staff rotates every 4-6 months.

Quality - the best practices

I was asked to train staff work to the next rotation. I built up the training with best available information, lessons learned and followed by my own experience.

1. Staffing starts from tasks - give tasks, follow the tasks and start staffing - Staff officers are for staffing. Recognize your role. 
2. You can do anything, but not everything – Prioritize. 
3. You have always too much to do. Use ABCD- approach. A is ASAP, B is burning, but not critical, C can be done later and D delegate  - Recognize, what is time critical. 
4. You can't eat the elephant - bite the elephant - Cut a big task for smaller tasks.
5. Good enough (80 %) in right time is better than outstanding (100 %) tomorrow – Be mission oriented. 
6. Due time is the time you have - Be time-effective. 
7. Execution needs time - Staff 1/3 of the time and give 2/3 of it for sub units. 
8. Good staffing needs all branches - Co-operate. 
9. Do not present problems - Make recommendations.
10. Decisions can be made only if there are alternatives - Give options.
11. Commanders' time is valuable. Be ready to use your three minutes effective - KISS.
12. Give your opinions before the decision. When decision is made, focus on execution.
13. Plans are nothing, but planning is everything - Make plan A and plan B.
14. Units make the results, not the staffs - Support sub units to fulfill their tasks.
15. Don't tell that sub units can't make the task. Tell how supported sub units can make it happen.
16. Plan is a common start for changes - Be ready to take plan B in use and start planning for plan C.
17. The most dangerous 7 words are : "We have always made it like that" – Think critical.

Sum up: make it resilient!

An other Point of view 12 Tips for Showing Leadership During Your Staff Time appeared first on The Military Leader http://www.themilitaryleader.com/leadership-lessons-staff-officers/

Would you like to hear more about the benefits of staff working principles in your business? Take contact and let me help.

Hannu Hyppönen

puh. 040 657 3495

hannujhypponen@gmail.com