There are four essentials that must be considered when discussing
management without which failure is guaranteed. The individual manager must
be capable, must be willing to accept and deal effectively with authority, must
accept the responsibility that goes with the position and must be willing to
acknowledge the fact there will be accountability.
The basic management activities all managers need to be exposed to include
an understanding of planning, organising, leading and controlling and in order to
perform any related tasks all of the four areas mentioned must exist.
Understanding these basic principles are essential for the success of any
manager. In addition managers must have an understanding of decision making
principles, communicating in a diverse workplace, disciplinary issues, how to
motivate others and self, how to evaluate performance, manage performance
problems and finally how to delegate tasks as opposed to abdicating
responsibility.
All managers and aspiring managers should have an understanding of
The management activities involved in running a successful business
The basic activities involved in the management process
Be capable of identifying and explaining the main tasks required of
managers
How to apply the decision making process to make management
decisions
How to analyse and apply general management functions
How to apply basic management principles and leadership skills
But now here?s the rub. In order to manage the human resource element i.e.
subordinates the manager must be both manager and leader.
"Leadership is a process by which a person influences others to accomplish an
objective' and direct others in a way that makes their combined effort more
cohesive and coherent. Leaders carry out this process by applying leadership
principles and developing a variety of leadership attributes such as beliefs,
values, ethics, character, knowledge and skills.
It is leadership that inspires others and encourages them to pull together,
work harder and achieve the desired results. True leadership is all about having
integrity, being transparent, being consistent and creating an environment
where others feel the need to follow the example set by the leader.
True leaders (authority) will make decisions based on personal values
(capable) and will stand by the decisions (responsible) they make because they
believe and know they are right (accountable).
What are the characteristics of the true leader?
Ethics is one of the most powerful traits of a true leader. Authentic leaders
have a code of ethics to which they adhere and nothing will cause them to
deviate from this code. They have standards to which they adhere.
All leaders have power but the true leader knows how to use this power for
the good of others in order to help them achieve their objectives.
True leaders get their message across and they communicate their aims,
objectives, values and principles to those with whom they work each day.
The true leader listens to others and values the opinions of others. They
permit others to make mistakes and they encourage innovation.
True leaders put their people and their company?s goals first. The goals of
the leader are aligned to the company goals.
True leaders manage the performance of their subordinates on an ongoing
basis and mentor and coach for performance improvement of all.
In summary authentic leaders know themselves well, and never allow
anyone else to cause them to break their "moral codes.' They put the company
and team first. They are excellent communicators. They know how to use their
power and authority for the right situation.
For more information email Des Squire (Managing Member) from AMSI and
ASSOCIATES at
[email protected]
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