The MAP Management Playbook: 6 Functions of Management for Leadership Success Template

This template was created in partnership with MAP Consulting.

‍Introduction

Introduction to MAP

Leadership is the single biggest factor in your comapy's success or failure. The data is clear: without strong, effective leaders, your business may be at risk. Leaders are not just there to manage – they make or break engagement performance and profitability.

MAP is a proven system designed to accelerate business performance and growth through our 3-step proven Vital Factors process.
Backed by world-class leadership development, cutting-edge technology, and facilitated by experienced former CEOs, MAP empowers businesses to achieve sustainable growth and lasting success. 💪

👉 Learn more about MAP

Focus on the 6 Functions of Management

Great managers aren’t born - they’re built. Management is both an art and a science, and mastering it requires a strong foundation in key principles. The 6 Functions of Management aren’t just standalone skills - they work together to create high-performing leaders and accountable teams.

These six functions are:

✅ Communication – The foundation of leadership and team effectiveness.

✅ Planning – Setting clear goals and strategies for success.

✅ Staffing – Finding, developing, and retaining top talent.

✅ Organizing – Aligning resources and structure for efficiency.

✅ Controlling (Accountability) – Measuring performance and ensuring results.

✅ Leading – Inspiring and guiding your team toward shared goals.

This playbook breaks down each function into clear, practical insights that you can immediately apply. Let’s get started.

The Functions

#1: Communication: The Backbone of Leadership

🌟 Great leaders aren’t just great speakers—they’re great listeners. 🌟

Clear, effective communication is the foundation of a high-performing team.

‍How to Apply This

🔹 Clarify Your Message – Before speaking, ask: What is the key takeaway I need them to understand?

🔹 Choose the Right Medium – Does this need a meeting, an email, or a quick Slack message?

🔹 Keep It Concise & Clear – If it takes more than one sentence to explain, simplify it.

🔹 Encourage Two-Way Communication – Ask: “Does this make sense?” to confirm understanding.

🔹 Listen to Understand, Not Just to Respond – People feel valued when they’re truly heard.

Common Communication Barriers

🚫 Talking too much, listening too little.

🚫 Assuming people know what you mean.

🚫 Ignoring non-verbal cues (body language, tone).

🚫 Sending long-winded emails when a quick call would work.

🔥 Pro Tip: After any important message, ask: “What are your key takeaways from this?” This ensures alignment and clarity.

👉 Download the MAP Management Communication Checklist Now

#2: Planning: Setting Your Team Up for Success

🌟 Failing to plan is planning to fail. 🌟

Great managers set clear goals, align their teams, and create action plans that turn strategy into results.

‍How to Apply This

🔹 Define the Destination – Where do you want to be in 1 year? 3 years? 5 years?

🔹 Break It Down – Identify 3-5 key priorities that will drive success.

🔹 Set SMART Goals – Ensure goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

🔹 Involve Your Team – People support what they help create. Let them shape the plan.

🔹 Schedule Check-Ins – Plans fail when they aren’t reviewed. Hold weekly or monthly accountability meetings to track progress.

🔥 Pro Tip: The best plans fit on one page. If it takes longer to explain, it’s too complex.

👉 Check out Mastering Accountability with Goals and Controls (by MAP)

#3: Staffing: Building a High-Performing Team

🌟 The best managers don’t just hire - they build teams. 🌟

The right people in the right roles create unstoppable momentum.

‍How to Apply This

🔹 Hire for Attitude & Train for Skill – Skills can be taught, mindset cannot.

🔹 Create a Clear Hiring Process – Job descriptions, interview guides, and scorecards reduce bias and improve hiring.

🔹 Onboard with Purpose – The first 90 days set the tone—make sure new hires are fully supported.

🔹 Invest in Training & Growth – Develop internal talent before looking externally.

🔹 Retain Top Talent – Recognition, compensation, and career growth are key retention levers.

🔥 Pro Tip: Bad hires cost more than open positions. If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.

👉 Download the MAP Management Staffing Checklist Now

#4: Organizing: Aligning People & Processes for Efficiency

🌟 A great strategy fails without great execution. 🌟

Organizing ensures your team has the structure, tools, and resources to perform at their best.

‍How to Apply This

🔹 Define Clear Roles & Responsibilities – Who owns what? Avoid gray areas.

🔹 Optimize Workflows – Automate, streamline, and remove bottlenecks.

🔹 Leverage the Right Tools – Project management software, CRMs, and SOPs help keep teams aligned. Learn about The MAP APP

🔹 Create Accountability Structures – Weekly team meetings, dashboards, and KPIs drive execution.

🔥 Pro Tip: Confusion kills execution. If someone has to ask, "Who owns this?", there’s a structural issue.

👉 Download the MAP Management Organizing & Time Management Checklist Now

#5: Controlling (Accountability): Ensuring Results

🌟 What gets measured gets managed. 🌟

Accountability isn’t about micromanaging—it’s about setting clear expectations and measuring progress.

^‍How to Apply This

🔹 Set Measurable Goals – Define what success looks like in clear, trackable terms.

🔹 Use Scorecards & KPIs – Monitor progress through data, not guesswork.

🔹 Hold Regular Check-Ins – Weekly or monthly accountability meetings drive results.

🔹 Provide Feedback Early & Often – Don’t wait for performance reviews to address issues.

🔥 Pro Tip: Accountability isn’t about punishment—it’s about clarity. The best managers create a culture where expectations are clear, and results are owned.  

👉  Download the MAP Management Controlling Checklist Now

#6: Leading: Inspiring & Motivating Your Team

🌟 Managers direct. Leaders inspire. 🌟

Leadership is about setting the vision, empowering others, and leading by example.

^‍How to Apply This

🔹 Communicate a Clear Vision – People need to know where they’re going.

🔹 Lead by Example – Your team will follow what you do, not just what you say.

🔹 Recognize & Reward Contributions – A simple “thank you” goes a long way.

🔹 Encourage Growth & Development – Invest in coaching, mentoring, and learning.‍

🔥 Pro Tip: The best leaders ask: “How can I help you succeed?”

👉 Download the MAP Management Leading Checklist Now

Connect with MAP

Thanks for going through this intro to MAP's 6 Functions of Management, which has helped thousands of business leaders accelerate their teams and organizations. Want more of a deep dive into the 6 Functions of Management?

🔹 Click here to learn more about MAP's Flagship 2.5 Day Workshop
👉 This results-driven experience provides the tools, insights, and support to take control, lead with confidence, and achieve meaningful growth—both personally and professionally.

🔹 Interested in other MAP Products & Services?

👉 MAP is a proven system designed to accelerate business performance and growth through our 3-step proven Vital Factors process. Backed by world-class leadership development, cutting-edge technology, and facilitated by experienced former CEOs, MAP empowers businesses to achieve sustainable growth and lasting success.

🔹 Want to connect with an Executive Consultant to learn more about MAP? Here's a Free Consultation.

👉 MAP CEO, Michael Caito on the power of MAP

👉  Download the MAP Management 6 Functions of Management Checklist Now

** For compilmentary training videos for management function, please click inside this Trainaul subject.