Two Managers in One - Managing with Aloha

Check out these two sets of words:

Set 1:
Altruism
Service
Contribution
Inclusion
Love
Optimism
Thankfulness
Comfort

Set 2:
Determination
Focus
Toughness
Resolve
Intensity
High Expectations
Results Orientation
Ownership

They almost seem like two sides of a coin, don’t they?

Great managers have developed their craft in ALL these areas.

I spent some time digging into Rosa Say’s Managing With Aloha this weekend and I was struck by the fact that her book covers a lot of ground important to managers and leaders. Her examples are very relational in one section and tough in the next. That’s the way business really is. Most books favor one list of words over the other, but Rosa explores areas represented in both sets of words.

Managing with Aloha is practical and inspiring. Rosa offers examples for how to manage in very real situations like selecting people and providing performance evaluations. She also heads up to the 50,000 foot level to make sure her readers know what’s most important.

Many management books make me wonder whether the author has actually been there and done that. It is clear that Rosa walks her talk and her experience provides for many interesting and helpful examples.

Here are a few word phrases that I really like as a writer:

“Fullness of work...
There is never much satisfaction in giving up.
Fewer words, more meaning.
Work is personal.

Those who accept responsibility will seek the opportunity to do so. Finding this opportunity creates energy and excitement for them.”

Managing with Aloha is an interesting book and more valuable and practical than most. Rosa is a deep and soulful leader and she is also tough as nails - a perfect combination in business I think!

Check out Managing with Aloha here. Check out Rosa's blog here.

Comments

[Rosa Say]

Mahalo nui for this post today Lisa, thank you! It is an honor to have Managing with Aloha reviewed on Management Craft, and I so appreciate this opportunity to hear your take on the book, for you know I am one of your admirers and highly value your opinion as both a fellow author and management coach.

You are spot on with the point you make here about managers needing to incorporate “both sides of the coin.” Throughout my career I would repeatedly find that when the “toughness” of great management practice happens, employees truly did appreciate it: The “fairness” they’d ask for was actually consistency in the right stuff.

I’m sure you have found this in your own coaching and consulting practice: When a manager is struggling, the best thing I can often help them with first is their own demeanor (ho‘ohanohano). We talk about the consistent need for them to be conducting themselves with integrity, self-discipline and managerial distinction. And yes, we get tough together, with the spirit of aloha always guiding us to the perfect balance needed.

That coin stands on its edge!

[David Anderson]

I've been meaning to blog about this book too. I've been reading it on the bus to work. One chapter per ride. Beautiful stuff. Very useful. Very thoughtful. Very weel written and very readable. Perhaps, full of things that might be seen as "girlie concerns" but great managers wouldn't let that stand in the way of doing the right thing and will recognize Rosa's advice for what it is - great management guidance.