Numbers do the talking!

One of my first learnings the hard way, after becoming a manager, was the importance of numbers. Numbers, not feelings, do the talking! 

Many times during my work as a manager I got caught in discussions with my management that I did not get my wishlist filled in. The missing piece in most cases? Numbers!

Whatever your responsibility as a manager, your objectives, your current achievements, your plans going forward, etc. can always be expressed in numbers.

What do I mean by numbers? In fact the list is very dependant of the organisation around you and more importantly above you.

I am sure you are frequently exposed to numbers: What is expected from you and your team to be successful. You have to understand those numbers and also know upfront if they are realistic and achievable. And if not, it means that you need a strong underpinning to convince your management that the numbers as they are are not achievable. In that case it does not help to go back to management that you 'feel you are not going to make your numbers'. Instead, you require (different) numbers to do the talking.

Being one of the managers in a middle management position, you bridge the working floor with upper management. Both have their own 'language'. Upper management talks mostly In numbers related to turnover, profit, shareholder value, competition and cost.

Understanding the power of numbers, be aware that you tune your language to the audience. Be it to update your team or to take your wishlist to your manager. Always tune your numbers to what are important messages to your audience or, even more relevant, to their objectives to get what you really want.

It is a great feeling if you can express your working life in many achievements, but being in control is really only about numbers...