Boy, how times have changed! We were discussing the Sinclair C5 in the office this week and many here had never even heard of it, let alone seen one!

Launched during a by-gone age (1985!), it became an object of media and popular ridicule during 1980s Britain and was a commercial disaster, selling only around 17,000 units, although according to Sinclair, it was “the best selling electric vehicle” until November 2011 when the Nissan Leaf had sold over 20,000 units.

Ah, 1985. What was management like in those days? Well, many managers could get away with what today would be decidedly un-PC behaviour and get rid of people almost on a whim.

How have management techniques changed over the years? That was the subject of our discussions after we had had a few giggles at the C5′s expense.

And we reckon we have come up with today’s management ideas in a nutshell.

Your job as manager today is to create a climate that encourages and values the contribution of each person to the team effort. Your people’s energies should be directed towards problem solving, task effectiveness and achievement of your goals. Your energies should be directed at providing the best possible conditions that allow your people to contribute effectively.

Quite a change, I’m sure you’ll agree. Better, as well? We think so.

How do you encourage people? How do you make sure their energies help you achieve your goals? How do you provide the conditions for people to grow and thrive?

Today’s manager simply has to be a good leader as well. Management skills refer to the hard skills that are necessary to get the job done. Leadership involves the softer skills that builds on the ideas people have, deals with the resistors they come up with, and gains the buy-in that is necessary to allow people to motivate themselves to achieve the goals you need to hit.

A far cry from those halcyon days when Clive Sinclair ruled the electronic vehicle world. Tell the truth, not sure if I could actually have fitted in one!

Thanks again

Nick

Nick Hill

Training Director

MTD Management Training Course

Click below for a:
Free email course “Improve your Management Skills”

Often times when we discuss management we immediately begin to think of profit-seeking organisations, but truth be told there are quite a number of situations in which effective management is necessary. These can be broken down into two main categories: the aforementioned profit-seeking group or the not-for-profit group.

Profit seeking organisations include large businesses, small businesses, and even start-up businesses. Each has a unique set of management needs, but if you’re looking for a role model you should start by taking a closer look at some of the larger organisations in your area. They’re obviously doing something right from a management perspective. If not, they wouldn’t exist today.

Small businesses have crucial management needs as well. While you might regard management skills as less important in a very small setting, they’re actually more important. A bad business decision made for a large corporation may result in a loss but a mistake made by a small business may be devastating, even resulting in closure.

Non-profits require management as well. Just because they aren’t out to make a million dollars doesn’t mean there aren’t rules and procedures to be followed and implemented. Most non-profits still have a staff of employees and proper management is essential. Examples of non-profits include your local government organisations (though I suppose many would argue this point), educational organisations (your public schools), and healthcare facilities. You will also find management needs in less traditional settings, such as your local college fraternity, within organised crime groups, or in your local church.

Keep in mind that proper management and leadership skills are a huge part of everyday life almost everywhere you go, even in your own home. Start looking at the overall scope of management and you’ll begin to see how you can apply certain management principles to your everyday life in order to achieve your goals!

Thanks again,

Sean

Sean McPheat
Managing Director
MTD Management Training

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