Let’s get something straight. Just because your business card has “Manager” in the title, it does not mean that you have a management style. If your title is manager, then you fall into one of a few categories:
- You are grossly unqualified to manage yourself, let alone a group of employees.
- You aren’t really a manager, your boss just thought it would make feel important. You are really just a supervisor, and #1 may apply.
- Your an excellent ass kisser, and #1 and #2 apply.
- Your manager fits into one of the first three categories, and subsequently, so do you.
- You are actually a manager. You take managing your employees seriously. You are concerned with getting the most out of your staff and meeting the goals of your organization.
Is this you?
I don’t have any statistics on this, but I would guess that only about 1 in 100 fall into category 5. I have heard way to many managers say, “That’s not my management style.” Listen, 90% of people have a personality, not a management style.
If you are a manager, take a look in the mirror, and if you don’t fall into category 5, start doing some research. If you are in category 5, double check. If your focus is on the task, and not result, you fall in one of the first four categories.
Anyone can learn to be a good manager, but like anything it else, it requires effort. People aren’t born good managers.