No two managers are alike. Every single manager you meet will come from a different background on both a personal and professional level. Each will bring a unique set of attributes to the table, making his or her decision making process slightly different from the next. They will all, however, bring attributes that fall into the following categories:

• The type of decision making model he uses
• The type of priority setting system he has
• His ability to properly time decisions
• Tunnel vision
• Previous commitments
• Creativity

Over the next few days we’re going to explore each of these attributes in order to determine how they affect a manager’s ability to make a strong decision. I think you’ll be surprised at how each of the above can affect the way a person thinks, both indiviually and combined with the other attributes.

Until next time, think about the type of manager you are. What process do you usually go through when you need to make an important decision?

Thanks again,
Sean

Sean McPheat
Managing Director
MTD Management Course

Click below for a:
FREE email course “Improve Your Management Skills”

The other day we talked about the ways in which managers are judged and over the past few weeks we have discussed some of the skills a manager really needs to have in order to be successful. There is certainly a lengthy list of criteria but even with this knowledge some managers (or, to be fair, management teams) fail. So why is this?

The first problem is that some managers never take the time to learn about the expectations their superiors have of them. They either just don’t know or they’re afraid to ask, making it difficult for them to complete their jobs in a manner that makes those in upper management happy.

The second problem is the lack of decision making skills. Let’s face it – life is full of choices. As a manager you need to be able to sort through those choices, determine which is best, and stick to your guns despite the potential grumblings of your subordinates. If you can’t make tough decisions for your department, who will? Without a manager making decisions, nothing would ever get done!

Which brings me to my next point – relationships. A good manager should be able to build strong working relationships with his peers and subordinates. If you can’t work together with the people on your teams you’ll never get anything done because even if you do make a quality decision no one will a) respect it or b) listen at all.

The final problem I’d like to address today is a lack of political savvy. Let’s face it, as a manager you do not have the luxury of being able to say whatever you want, when you want, regardless of your audience. You must learn how to be politically correct when you speak – tailoring your word choice and delivery to your audience. Your peers, for example, may appreciate a good joke but your subordinates may not take you seriously and upper management may view your behaviour as inappropriate.

So where do you fall in the grand scheme of things. Are you on the path to success or failure? If you’re on the latter path, can you turn things around before it’s too late?

Thanks again,
Sean

Sean McPheat
Managing Director
MTD Management Training Course

Click below for a:
FREE email course “Improve Your Management Skills”

As a manager you’ll find that conducting performance evaluations is one of the most difficult parts of your job. What you mightnot always realise, though, is that someone-somewhere- is preparing to evaluate your performance as a manager as well.

So what criteria are used to evaluage the performance of a manager? Consider the following:

• Are you skilled in all three of the management roles we’ve been discussing – interpersonal, informational, and decision making?
• Are you able to set and achieve goals on your own?
• Are you an inspiring and effective leader?
• Do you and your team make your customers happy?
• Do you make efficient use of the resources and talents that have been made available to you?
• Are you capable of taking advantage of the diversity found within your work group?
• Are you ethical in your decision making process?

If you can answer YES to all of the questions above than you’re doing a pretty good job. If not, you’ll need to take a step back and determine why the answer was NO. Are there things you need to change about the way you interact with your employees? Should you be more controlling or give your team more free reign? Your ability to answer these questions and then respond to them will determine your success as a manager. Good luck!

Thanks again,
Sean

Sean McPheat
Managing Director
MTD Management Training Courses

Click below for a:
FREE email course “Improve Your Management Skills”

Earlier this month I shared some management myths in the hopes they would provide you with a better insight into what its really like to be a manager. Today I’m going to share a few more and hopefully by the time we’re done you’ll understand exactly what management is NOT about.

Management Myth #4 – Managers are Systematic at All Times

Many people believe that managers have a systematic method for communicating information and getting tasks completed but this, in reality, is very far from the truth. Most managers rely less on set standards and procedures and more on their own intuitions. They’re more artful about the decisions they make than scientific.

Management Myth #5 – Managers are Autonomous

Why people believe managers can do everything on their own is a mystery to me. Sure, they’re really good at managing themselves but they, like everyone else, need input and advice from their own superiors as well. No one is perfect – not even the top CEO in your organisation.

Management Myth #6 – Internal Competition is Productive

Some organisations think that internal competitions, pitting managers against managers, is productive and will boost business. It’s better to cooperate with your peers than it is to work against them. Save the competition for your external competitors.

The life of a manager can be difficult at times. Individuals often assume managers have certain skills that they really don’t and its up to you, as the manager, to correct those assumptions. Are you ready for the challenge?

Thanks again,
Sean

Sean McPheat
Managing Director
MTD Management Training

Click below for a:
FREE email course “Improve Your Management Skills”