By Kukil Bora, SiliconIndia
Tuesday, 01 February 2011, 05:39 IST
Bangalore: How should a manager behave? When you ask this question to a team member, he'll probably first describe how his manager is and what the traits he lacks are. Then he will go on and create a character much flexible and easy going then his actual manager. The qualities that the team member expects in his manager may not be the ideal ones, but the fact that he wants some change in his manager's behavior indicates that there is something that the manager is holding on to, which he should avoid. Very often managers try to live by some seeming expectations of business and simply play out roles, which turns out to be harmful for the team performing for them. This is something which results from some traditional beliefs or myths of management. Let's discuss a few.
1. Managing is about controlling and telling people what to do
From a typical manager's point of view, yes it is. But when it comes to manage a team and leading it to an end goal in its true sense, he who follows this is not in the right track. A conscientious manager tries to create excitement about a common goal in the minds of the team members and then influence their ingenuity to achieve that. Simply dictating things and creating a must-do situation often leads to lack of productivity.
2. Being a manager, you know all the answers
Managers who try to pretend that they know the answers of all the problems are those who often try to demonstrate their value to their teams but fail. Managers face tough time in finding the answers, but hesitate to communicate the problem with other team members. They don't realize that making the team members involved in decision-making and sharing concerns always help in finding a proper answer or solution to a particular problem. There may be someone in the team who might provide a better solution. So, accept it.
3. On projects, managers are solely responsible
While working on any project, each and every person working on it should have an equal share of responsibilities. Everyone should have the opportunity to step up and suggest a solution. It will help to gather different ideas and to choose the best one among many. The sense of responsibility and the feeling of "I am in" can boost up the team members. Kudos or kicks, focusing on just the managers is not a good thing to do.
4. A manager always a leader
A manager can lead his team if he has team members who are low in morals and need a push every time. But following this every now and then can have a negative effect on the members' individual growth. No one can do something perfectly at the very first time. Mistakes are essential to learn things. Managers should always keep in mind this and encourage their team members to make crucial decisions. The supportive role of a manager is always helpful in the team's success.
5. Managers are born, not made
If you have the belief that managerial skills are in-born traits and can't be earned, you better think over it once again, because it is not true. Managerial skills are learned traits and can be improved through practice. Learning from own observations and mistakes is the key to become an ideal manager.
Tuesday, 01 February 2011, 05:39 IST
1. Managing is about controlling and telling people what to do
From a typical manager's point of view, yes it is. But when it comes to manage a team and leading it to an end goal in its true sense, he who follows this is not in the right track. A conscientious manager tries to create excitement about a common goal in the minds of the team members and then influence their ingenuity to achieve that. Simply dictating things and creating a must-do situation often leads to lack of productivity.
2. Being a manager, you know all the answers
Managers who try to pretend that they know the answers of all the problems are those who often try to demonstrate their value to their teams but fail. Managers face tough time in finding the answers, but hesitate to communicate the problem with other team members. They don't realize that making the team members involved in decision-making and sharing concerns always help in finding a proper answer or solution to a particular problem. There may be someone in the team who might provide a better solution. So, accept it.
3. On projects, managers are solely responsible
While working on any project, each and every person working on it should have an equal share of responsibilities. Everyone should have the opportunity to step up and suggest a solution. It will help to gather different ideas and to choose the best one among many. The sense of responsibility and the feeling of "I am in" can boost up the team members. Kudos or kicks, focusing on just the managers is not a good thing to do.
4. A manager always a leader
A manager can lead his team if he has team members who are low in morals and need a push every time. But following this every now and then can have a negative effect on the members' individual growth. No one can do something perfectly at the very first time. Mistakes are essential to learn things. Managers should always keep in mind this and encourage their team members to make crucial decisions. The supportive role of a manager is always helpful in the team's success.
5. Managers are born, not made
If you have the belief that managerial skills are in-born traits and can't be earned, you better think over it once again, because it is not true. Managerial skills are learned traits and can be improved through practice. Learning from own observations and mistakes is the key to become an ideal manager.
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