Who can be a good manager?

   It is the general refrain of many of the large corporations in World today. There are many who are unemployed – but most of them are unemployable. They sometimes have poor technical knowledge, even though they have graduated – and they have even poorer communication skills and human relations skills. They have no hobbies. And their general knowledge leaves a lot to be desired. Yet they all want to be ‘Managers’. They do not realise that the person who knows ‘how’ will always get a job. But the person who knows ‘why’ in addition to ‘how’ – will always be the boss – the manager.
   In Letitia Baldridge’s Complete Guide to Executive Manners, she lists some behavioural traits that define a good manager like:
   
• never expects others to follow rules which he himself does not follow,
   
• makes time to listen to his subordinates and colleagues,
   
• keeps his promises – however small the promise may be,
   
• respects the ideas of others,
   
• returns telephone calls and emails/sms immediately if possible within 24 hours,
   
• answers important mail within four days and unimportant mail within two weeks,
   
• does not pretend to be an expert on what he is not
   
• always returns borrowed property (like books/umbrella) promptly and in good condition,
   
• never repeats a rumour that would hurt someone’s reputation,
   
• knows how to dress, on the job and off the job – and understands appropriate attire for business
   
• answers all invitations promptly, either by writing or calling,    
• is deferential in office situations, where it is proper to do so; without being or appearing to be subservient ( a boot licker)    
• knows how to introduce people properly, and in a manner that makes them feel good,
   
• knows how to compliment someone and also how to accept compliments graciously (which is even more difficult),    
• is punctual or, if delayed, always informs in advance that he will be late,    
• picks up the Bill at the restaurant, when it is his turn without being overtly miserly. 

   Seems a big list? Perhaps it is. But in summary, it describes someone who ‘shows consideration for others.’ 

   Wednesday, May 27, 2009 2:37 PM"Safdar Hussain" <hussain.pmp@gmail.com