What we Want from Managers

Barry from Gotta Get a Blog offers this interesting post called, For Future AND Incumbent Executives - Today where he shares he most desired management abilities for Future Executives.  Tops are:

• Motivate and engage others
• Communicate effectively, strategically, and interpersonally
• Think strategically
• Lead change
• Create a performance organization

Yes, this makes sense. I think people, intellectually, would agree. But what about their actions?

1. I wonder what would happen if we took a look at the behavioral interviewing questions being used for recruiting middle and senior managers - would see this same emphasis?
2. I wonder if the reasons managers get promoted gel with these desired abilities.
3. I wonder if salary increases and variable payments link back to these.

It would be interesting to create the list of what we actually value based on our actions, wouldn't it? Great companies would probably come up with a similar list to the one above. Many companies, however, might find capabilities like these toward the top:

• Ability to blend in
• Politically correct
• Does what he or she is told
• Works a lot of hours
• Knows the technology
• Loyal
• Knows the right people, in with the right crowd
• Resume shows longevity at each business and a logical progression of responsibilities

What would the list be at your company?

Comments

[Terrence Seamon]

This is a good question, but one size may not fit all. Managers operate at different levels, from CEO to supervisor. And they operate in different sorts of organizations from candy factories and hi-tech clean rooms to hospital emergency rooms and trading floors.

So while there may be some general principles that cut across the spectrum, the differences may be even more intriguing.

Terry

[Larry]

I would also like my manager to "lead change." Managers should be good examples, if the company requires that everyone adheres to the changes that will take place, Managers should be the one to initiate it. Heard about the Young Entrepreneur Society. I came across their site www.YoungEntrepreneurSociety.com. I was glad to read some of the articles.