a) All managers do not work in the same way even at the same level – some managers will prove more successful and effective than others. To be successful and effective managers must have the following characteristics:
1. Will to Manage – a good manager must have within himself the desire to become even a better manager. He must be willing to accept responsibility and have the confidence to be accountable for the work of others. Some people have low desire to manage for the following reasons:
• They lack confidence.
• Afraid of decision making.
• Fear responsibility/accountability.
• Are happy with current positions.
2. Knowledge of Management Process – a manager should have an understanding of the management process and management functions. It’s important that candidates have some formal training and education in management.
3. Intellectually capable – he should possess the necessary level of intelligence and ability to make logical decisions.
4. Ability to command respect – a manager must be able to earn respect from his subordinates so that they are able to obey him, he must therefore be able to understand employees, be honest, fair and have a positive attitude. Respect from others cannot be forced and it’s only a manager who respects himself and others who will be able to earn respect.
5. Have good communication skills – must be able to express himself in a manner acceptable both to his superiors and subordinates. He must be able to make himself understood either orally or through writing. Ineffective communication leads to misunderstanding which results in mistakes.
6. Integrity – managers act on behalf of the organization. They take care of the resources of the organization, if they wanted they could cheat, embezzle, falsify records, show favouritism, etc. They must have a high sense of what is right and what is wrong and practise it. Others in the organization look up to them and their mistakes are copied others. They must conduct business and trade in a straight, ethical and acceptable manner.
7. Loyalty – must show loyalty to the organization e.g. they should not do the same business or competing business. They must not sell company secrets and vital information to others for instance. Must always try and give a good image of the organization both within and without.
8. Good Personality – a good personality will ensure that one is able to relate to others amicably. A good manager should be one ready to work with others and one who does not always insist on doing things his own way. He should also have a stable character – with few personal problems which might be a liability to the firm e.g. alcoholism, drug addiction or domestic troubles.
b) “Managers are not born, they are made”
Good leaders are made not born. If you have the desire and willpower, you can become an effective leader. Good leaders develop through a never-ending process of self-study, education, training, and experience.
To inspire your people into higher levels of teamwork, there are certain things you must be, know, and, do. These do not come naturally, but are acquired through continual work and study. The best leaders are continually working and studying to improve their leadership skills.
Developing the behavioural attributes of managers mentioned above
• Know yourself and seek self-improvement. In order to know yourself, you have to understand your being, know, and do, attributes. Seeking self-improvement means continually strengthening your attributes. This can be accomplished through reading, self-study, classes, etc.
• Be technically proficient. As a leader, you must know your job and have a solid familiarity with your employees’ jobs.
• Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions. Search for ways to guide your organization to new heights. And when things go wrong, they will sooner or later, do not blame others. Analyze the situation, take corrective action, and move on to the next challenge.
• Make sound and timely decisions. Use good problem solving, decision making, and planning tools.
• Set the example. Be a good role model for your employees. They must not only hear what they are expected to do, but also see.
• Know your people and look out for their well-being. Know human nature and the importance of sincerely caring for your workers.
• Keep your people informed. Know how to communicate with your people, seniors, and other key people within the organization.
• Develop a sense of responsibility in your people. Develop good character traits within your people that will help them carry out their professional responsibilities.
• Ensure that tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished. Communication is the key to this responsibility.
• Train your people as a team. Although many so called leaders call their organization, department, section, etc. a team; they are not really teams…they are just a group of people doing their jobs.
• Use the full capabilities of your organization. By developing a team spirit, you will be able to employ your organization, department, section, etc. to its fullest