Techniques of Coordination – The Toolkit! 🛠️
So, we know we need coordination. But HOW do we achieve it? Here are the tools managers use.
1. Coordination by Hierarchy (The Boss) 👮♂️
- Method: If two subordinates fight, the common Boss decides.
- Example: Sales Manager vs Production Manager. The CEO steps in and gives a final order.
- Pro: Fast.
- Con: Overloads the boss.
2. Coordination by Rules & Procedures (SOPs) 📜
- Method: Write down the rules so nobody needs to ask.
- Example: "All purchase requests above ₹10,000 must be approved by Finance."
- Result: Purchase and Finance coordinate automatically via the rule.
3. Coordination by Meetings (The Conference Room) 🤝
- Method: Get everyone in a room (or Zoom).
- Example: "Monday Morning Huddle."
- Benefit: Face-to-face communication clears misunderstandings instantly.
4. Liaison Officers (The Diplomats) 🕊️
- Method: A special person whose only job is to talk between departments.
- Example: A "Project Manager" in IT who talks to the Client (Business) and the Coders (Tech). He speaks both languages!
5. Self-Coordination (The Ideal) ✨
- Method: Employees talk to each other directly without bothering the boss.
- Example: "Hey, I'm done with the design, can you start coding?" (Horizontal Communication).
Mary Parker Follett's Principles
She gave 4 principles of coordination:
- Early Stage: Start coordinating at the planning stage.
- Direct Contact: Talk face-to-face.
- Reciprocity: A affects B, and B affects A.
- Continuity: It's a never-ending process.
Quiz Time! 🎯
Test Your Knowledge
Question 1 of 5
1. When a boss resolves a dispute between two juniors, it is coordination by:
💡 Final Wisdom: "Meetings are toxic if they are just for talking. But they are gold if they are for coordinating." 🗣️💎
Next up: Control - The final function! Did we actually achieve what we planned? 🕵️♂️