The need for good
managers is not going away. It is intensifying. With flatter organizations
and self-directed teams becoming common; with personal computers and networks
making information available to more people more quickly; the raw number of
managers needed is decreasing. However, the need for good managers, people who
can manage themselves and others in a high stress environment, is increasing.
I believe anyone can be a good manager. It is as much trainable
skill as it is inherent ability; as much science as art. Here are some things
that make you a better manager
As a Person :
·You have confidence in yourself and your abilities. You are
happy with who you are, but you are still learning and getting better.
·You are something of an extrovert. You dont have to be the life
of the party, but you cant be a wallflower. Management is a people skill -
it is not the job for someone who doesnt enjoy people.
·You are honest and straight forward. Your success depends
heavily on the trust of others.
·You are an includer not an excluder. You bring others into what
you do. You don’t exclude other because they lack certain attributes.
·You have a presence. Managers must lead. Effective leaders
have a quality about them that makes people notice when they enter a room.
On the Job :
· y
ou are consistent, but not rigid; dependable, but can change
your mind. You make decisions, but easily accept input from others.
·You are a little bit crazy. You think out-of-the box. You try
new things and if they fail, you admit the mistake, but dont apologize for
having tried.
·You are not afraid to do the math. You make plans and schedules
and work toward them.
·You are nimble and can change plans quickly, but you are not
flighty.
·You see information as a tool to be used, not as power to be
hoarded.
Take a look at yourself
against this list. Find the places where you can improve and then get going.
And , if you need help, remember thats what this site is all about - Helping
new managers get started and experienced managers get better