by Carole
DeJarnatt
http://www.AllianceAdvisorsInc.com
© 2007 What makes a good manager? If you are presently
a manager you probably ask yourself this question frequently. If not and you are
being considered for the position, take heed to the skills that are needed to
be all you can be. Why would someone who is presently a
manager think or worry about what it takes to be a good manager? In all positions
of life, whether work related or personal, we should want to put our best position
forward for everyone to recognize. If you are recognized as a good manager, you
have skills several people in the business world do not possess. Good skills lead
to good referrals for promotions or opening doors for other positions of influence.
Not too long ago I had a supervisor of a call center ask
me for suggestions on how to improve in their position. At the time I was the
director of a department of 17 regional area representatives. Here are some of
the suggestions I gave: - Listen—Listen to everything your subordinates
have to say. That does not mean you have to agree with them but have an ear for
listening. I strived to keep to listen to everyone whether what was heard was
good or bad. It gave them a feeling of importance if you showed interest.
- Share—Keep everyone updated on department and company developments.
If asked to keep confidentiality, you can share the department goals and progress
the department is making on a weekly and/or monthly basis in their achievements.
Sharing is communicating. You must communicate with your people on a daily basis.
I emailed frequently and communicated via telephone weekly. I have to say I think
they preferred the telephone over the email. Everyone loves the personal touch!
- Engage—Let the group be involved in the decision-making
process. When it comes to working with department decisions, engage the team and
let them share their thoughts and ideas with you. I recommend conference calls
if people are in distant locations so everyone is able to have an input. Again,
that does not mean you have to agree but you are listening to their suggestions.
If you choose to overrule that is your decision as a manager.
-
Interact—As often as you feel necessary, schedule a time away from the office
for lunch, after-hours social, retreat, or training. It is important that the
department feel you are as much a part of them as you are their supervisor. I
had worked with people in the past who felt it was not good to intermingle with
the people they managed. I believe it helps you to know the persons work ethic,
personality, integrity, and also made me more accessible to them. I believe almost
everyone I supervised would tell you I treated them as an equal. I do not believe
in the superiority complex.
I believe every person
has something to offer. It is up to the manager/supervisor to find and reveal
the qualities. If after finding the qualities and they do not fit what is necessary
for success in the position, the manager has to do what is necessary to correct
the mistake. Every good manager is willing to admit they make mistakes. The best
manager is the one who corrects the mistakes!
Credit:
About The Author:
Carole DeJarnatt is the President of
Alliance Advisors, Inc., a business advisory and coaching service for development
and implementation of strategies to grow and enhance businesses for greater success
in their future. For more information, visit the company website at http://www.AllianceAdvisorsInc.com.
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of this article does not constitute an endorsement by the National Business Association;
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