The role of a manager is complex and involves several functions. However, the function you may associate most closely with management is directing, the management function of providing guidance to workers to achieve goals. You’ve experienced directing before: Your teacher directs you to study for your test tomorrow, your parents direct you to clean your room, or your boss directs you to clock in and out for every shift. Directing isn’t just telling people what to do, though. When directing, managers guide and oversee the performance of employees to make sure that they are working toward the company’s objectives.

While all of the functions of management are important, directing is considered the “heart” of management. Directing is what sets managers apart from other employees. Without it, the other management functions (planning, organizing, staffing, and controlling) wouldn’t have much value. Think about it: You can create a business plan, organize all of the resources you need, hire employees, and come up with ways to measure their success. But if you’re not giving direction (telling employees what tasks to complete, offering guidance, and explaining why tasks are important), employees won’t be able to successfully complete their work. Your business probably won’t amount to much! Directing is the point from which the actual work starts. It is the source of employees’ energy and performance, and it maintains the healthy functioning of the business.

Watch this video to review all of the functions of management so you can see how directing fits into the mix: Functions of Management.