By Roberta
Chinsky Matuson
February 2, 2011
Management looks really easy, doesn’t it?
You’re awarded a
title, and, if you are lucky, an office, and away you go. You bark some
orders
here and there and then you sit back until it’s time to give another
directive.
Of course, everyone does exactly what
you ask of them, because you are the person in charge. If this were
really the
case, everyone would want to be a manager!
Here are ten tips to help you become the
type of manager
that everyone wants to work with.
- Be
credible-It is difficult, if not impossible to get others to follow
you if you aren’t perceived as being credible. Credibility is not
something you earn overnight, although it is certainly something you
can destroy in one day. Be mindful of how your words and actions have a
direct impact on how others perceive you on a daily basis.
- Lead by
example-Behave, as you would want your employees to behave, but
also understand that your role is different from that of your employees.
- Surround
yourself with the right people-Hire for fit, train for skill and if
the opportunity presents itself, hire people who are better than you.
Prepare for the arrival of new hires so they immediately feel connected
to the organization.
- Build on
strengths-Weaknesses may be more visible, but strengths are where
you will receive a greater return. Find one or two strengths in each of
your people and help them become the type of employees you know they
can be.
- Cut your
losses early-Mismatches happen, no matter how good you are at
interviewing. Take action quickly to avoid having the rest of the team
distracted by a poor hire.
- Cultivate
the success of others-To succeed as a manager, you will need to
shift your focus from “me” to “we.” Going forward, your success will no
longer be measured by your individual contribution. Instead, you will
be evaluated on your ability to create and maintain a highly engaged
team that is willing to give it their all.
- Manage
performance-People want and need feedback in order to improve their
performance. Don’t be the manager everyone complains about. Give your
people continuous feedback and provide them with timely performance
reviews.
- Be
respectful-One of the quickest ways to lose credibility and trust
is by being disrespectful. Regardless of the situation at hand, treat
your people the way you would like to be treated.
- Master the
art of influencing-As the boss, many times you will be asking
people to do things on your behalf. Be specific in your request and let
them know why it’s in their best interest to comply, and you will be
well on your way to getting what you need.
- Get
respect-As human beings, we have a natural tendency to want to be
loved. But what happens when your desire to be loved interferes with
your ability to lead? Effective leaders recognize it is more important
to be respected by their people than adored. They make the tough
decisions that are needed to secure the future of those around them,
including their direct reports.
Roberta Chinsky Matuson is the
President of Human Resource
Solutions (www.yourhrexperts.com)
and author of the highly acclaimed
book, Suddenly in
Charge: Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around (Nicholas
Brealey,
January 2011). Her
firm helps organizations create exceptional workplaces that deliver
extraordinary results. Sign up to receive a complimentary subscription
to
Roberta's monthly newsletter, HR
Matters.
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