Managers who matter

Over the coming months, the management of all businesses will be tested as they navigate ways to stay relevant and profitable in this economy. Some managers can make this process a bearable one for their employees and some managers along with their employees will be casualties of these difficult business times.{{more}}

It’s during these uncertain times when a positive leader is needed as the employees will either worry about the economy and the impact on the business or try to be optimistic, creative and look at ways to weather the storm even if that means laying off some employers. What kind of manager are you?

For a manager to be competent there are a few prerequisites. He or she must have open communication with upper management and there must be a support system in place. This is critical as a manager is the bridge between the frontline staff and those at the top. Following are some of the qualities managers in any results-oriented work environment need to possess.

1. Effective managers work well with diverse populations.

The Caribbean is a global melting pot and St. Vincent is no exception. Regardless of what business one is in, a manager will come in contact with diverse people through direct supervision or as customers. Diversity cuts across racial, ethnic, generational and social lines. Working in harmony with different people to meet the organizational goal will take a sensitive, open and insightful person to know how to best meet the needs of the different groups.

2. Effective managers are motivators.

Every staff member, during their career, will reach the point when progress seems impossible or an extra push is needed in order to overcome a particular business barrier. It’s during these times that employees really want someone who believes in their abilities and can positively move them to produce exceptional work, especially in high-pressured environments.

3. Effective managers are great communicators.

Studies show that when we listen to someone speak we receive 55 per cent of what is said through his/her body language, 38 per cent through tone and inflection and only 7 per cent of the actual words are understood. It’s critical that managers are very clear and direct when giving instructions. Leave almost nothing to speculation or interpretation, as that’s when costly errors occur.

Anyone in a management position must stop every now and then and evaluate himself or herself. How well are you doing as a manager? How do you motivate your staff on a regular basis? How effective are your communication skills?

Karen Hinds President/CEO –
Workplace Success Group,
Toll Free: 1-877-902-2775;
Tel: 1-203-757-4103
A CT Winner of the Make Mine a Million Dollar Business award!
Karen@WorkplaceSuccess.com