Doing the top manager job well

Make sure the structure, roles and responsibilities of the governing body are understood and supported.

Respect the rights and roles of the governing body. Establish systems that support the effective composition, size and capacities of the governing body so it can adequately do its job.
Operate under instruction from the governing body, and be subject to periodic review of their performance by the governing body.

 Recognise and publicise the respective roles and powers of the governing body and top manager or management.

Develop clear procedures for implementing the division of roles between the governing body and management.
Ensure effective procedures and delegations are in place, and decisions and policies set by the governing body are implemented.

Encourage confidence, commitment and professionalism in the staff.

Decide and publicise who is doing what job.
Promote capacity building and career development.
Establish a staff code of conduct.

Motivate people.

Have action plans, manuals, policies and other written materials ready for everyone to read.
Promote success and recognise personal achievement. Listen to feedback from staff and act on it.

Be responsible for leading the work of the organization.

Be responsible for the performance of staff, including resolving conflict and undertaking individual performance evaluation of all staff members.

Help the governing body and the community develop a clear vision and goal.

Have regular meetings with the governing body. Have regular staff meetings with minutes spelling out actions, review and follow-up. Communicate and feedback to community members.

Plan for the future so that senior employees are replaced quickly without too much disruption.

Employ staff members that are well trained and enthusiastic.
Give staff plenty of opportunity for training, leadership and personal development.

Manage the finances and be accountable for how money is spent.

Lay a solid foundation of financial management and reporting systems, including training for the governing body and staff.
Make timely disclosures and manage risk.
Remunerate fairly.

Make changes to the organisation that might improve how it performs.

Involve staff in planning and reviews.

Make sure people follow the policies and rules developed for the organisation by the governing body.

Ensure policies and rules are well known and there are workable processes for implementing and reporting on progress.
Establish and communicate complaints and review processes.

Ensure communication between community members and the organisation.

Communicate clearly and effectively with everyone. Explore innovative media and cultural language formats. Integrate cultural values and communication styles into processes, so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel comfortable in the organisation.