Becoming a successful manager
[...]... technological commu- nication protocols that are effective for each member of your staff Professionals exhibit quiet strength to make the difficult look easy Small acts of human kindness done consistently characterize a mensch 1 What Is a Professional Manager? AS YOU PROBABLY REALIZE, ACHIEVING the objectives of a successful manager is an arduous job Managing a department effectively is an ongoing process that... professional managers we have known, their staff members say things What Is a Professional Manager? 7 like, “I don’t know what he does to gain cooperation, but we want to cooperate.” Or, “I learn from my manager, but it doesn’t seem that she actually teaches.” Professionals in a management position gain cooperation without domination and power without force Not only are nonprofessionals obvious about what... in matters that have nothing to do with attaining meaningful results As you can see, professionalism and success as a manager are more than merely titles, credentials, and getting paid well for what one does They are about a person’s demeanor and attitude when dealing with a disparate group of people and properly handling a variety of work-related issues or problems The most important thing when all... regardless of education, age, position, status, or geographic culture • In your desire to understand people, ask appropriate questions, in an appropriate way, at an appropriate time, and in an appropriate place • Act responsibly and kindly toward yourself and others • Listen attentively to what people say, both verbally and nonverbally, and respond appropriately to their messages • Demonstrate a genuine... inspiration and guiding force that leads your department forward These are tall orders, but they are, in part, the responsibilities you assumed when you donned the mantle of manager When you accepted this position, your implied promise, assuming you want to be the best leader you can be, was to be an effective teacher, a sensitive counselor, and a master gardener A professional and successful manager assumes... intellectually, and ultimately fi nancially As the manager, you need to enable the formation of such partnerships You must preserve the integrity of each of your manager- employee relationships and protect that integrity from being threatened or invaded by negative staff members or negative workplace situations As challenging as it may be in the diverse and decentralized workplace to create and uphold the partnerships... combined and varied talents available There is no one right way of creating a departmental mission statement, since it’s a personal reflection of your values, your ideals, your vision of the department’s character, and how you want the department to function Once you have arrived at a mission statement that is viable for you and your staff, distribute a copy to each member of your staff and request that they... enthusiasm? • How can you move right on the continuum between nonprofessional and professional manager? This page intentionally left blank Sensitivity is as important to managing people as music is to dancing A professional manager is an effective teacher, a sensitive counselor, and a master gardener 2 Defining Your Role BEFORE YOUR PROMOTION, YOU MANAGED only one person: yourself In this limited managerial... of a stretch to apply the rules and principles of successful gardening to being a successful professional manager The “human plants” you choose to be part of your departmental garden have to reflect your values and be willing to contribute to your vision of what you want your “garden” to produce Assuming you hire capable, high-potential, and conscientious people, your abilities and skills as a manager. .. and success through life balance Yes! There is a great attitudinal and behavioral divide among generations But with awareness, understanding, and willingness the successful manager can bridge the divides and produce harmonious collaboration The following table highlights just a few of the personal, social, and professsional qualities that defi ne each of the four generational groups . ask appropriate ques- tions, in an appropriate way, at an appropriate time, and in an appropriate place. • Act responsibly and kindly toward yourself and. staff. 2 KNOWING THE TERRITORY 3 1 What Is a Professional Manager? ASYOUPROBABLYREALIZE, ACHIEVING the objectives of a successful manager is an arduous