Growing as a Manager

In the last few weeks I have mentored two of my new managers through the angst of their first, respective human resource, performance related problems with staff. Every manager always remembers the first disciplinary session they had to run, the first review of a poor performer or the first time they had to let someone go. This is a watershed time for new managers/supervisors and both of them came through with flying colors and felt much better about themselves as managers afterwards. The secret is to be professional, firm and objective.

DK

Best Business Advice

When I got my first management post I was given some excellent advice by one of my colleagues:

Firstly - Never do over the phone or by email what you can do face to face;

Secondly - Keep close to your money man (our accountant was a male at that stage - and still is a male last time I saw him!!).

This sage advice has stayed with me for decades and I have passed it onto many people. Even though I work in a highly technical field, my success has been accentuated by the strong face to face relationships I have been fortunate to make with colleagues and clients over the years.

Keep well

DK

Be Honest, Ethical and Kind

Making it in business relies on the integrity of the business owner. In the long run it pays to be honest, ethical and kind. Honesty means never having to watch your back, being ethical keeps your conscience in tune and being kind will build a client and staff base that will be there for the long term. Greed and lack of ethics has led us to the unfortunate situation that we are in today.

Be a Self-Starter

When you see a problem or a need what do you do? Many people say, "It's not my problem, its X's problem".

Successful people say, "Here is a problem, excellent, now I can find a solution.

Every problem is a solution building opportunity. As they say, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going!!".

Use problems as a growth goad. The best business people have become successful by having a toolbox of solutions that they can apply to problems. There are very few new problems, just different and more innovative solutions. If people could see this, they would say, that problem is mine!!

DK

The Secrets of Management

If you want to be a successful manager, you have to like, and be able to motivate people. It is a truth that a team can do more than any one gifted individual. Picking the right team is the secret.

One thing I have learned from years in business is that recruitment is a key component of business success. Look for personalities that will work on your team. You can teach skills, but you can't change someones personality. Nothing destroys team morale more than having a primadonna or a non team player come into the team.

Choose your staff wisely, nurture them, play to their respective strengths within a high performing team and you will achieve success.

Business is about Relationships

The success of your business ventures depends on having health relationships. These relationships may be with suppliers, customers, staff, co-workers, management...the list goes on. If you can't get the person skills right it is unlikely that you will make much headway. Business life is full of hidden traps to those who only chase the mighty dollar and take the "Greed is Good" path.

Treat others as you like to be treated. Be kind, friendly and treat everyone as your equals. This kind of approach pays huge dividends. As our latest economic crisis shows, just focusing on growth and financial wizardry does not work. We need sustanable businesses that meet real not engineered needs.

Keep well.

DK

The Challenge Roller Coaster

I am on a new project (6 weeks in) and we are having a roller coaster of exhiliration. You kbnow what I mean, 3 hours of terror, a sleepless night, and then a great idea of a solution in the next week. I have to say that I love this kind of environment. It keeps you on your toes and keeps the skill uptake and problem solving faculties working. Challenge always brings growth.

DK