Now that we're firmly in the 21st century it's timely to reflect on
how we will manage ourselves and our staff, now and in the future.
The role of the manager is changing – and quickly! As with all
changes there are positives and there are downsides. The smart
companies will invest in their managers, enabling and supporting them
to gain maximum benefit from the changes and the increased
expectations that are placed on managers today.
The smart companies will give their managers the support, education
and recognition they require to not only survive but to thrive in the
21st century.
The manager is vital to the success of your company. As it is a
changing role, there are many demands placed on the manager – the
most significant of which is the need to keep pace with management
concepts, skills and practices.
A number of quantum changes have occurred in the demands placed on
the manager. How well equipped are your managers to deal with these
changes?
- The change in emphasis from the purely technical skills (e.g. how
well you build a house or nurse dying patients) to people skills
(how well you relate to your staff and customers).
- The need to be proactive as well as reactive. It is no longer
sufficient to react to the situations that present themselves in
the company – managers are now expected to be proactive; to be
innovative; to forecast situations and the needs of the customers
and staff.
- A clear customer focus. Managers now need to clearly focus on the
customer; to determine the needs, expectations and preferences of
the customer - not to merely satisfy the customers, but to
"delight" them. Managers also need to focus on the internal as
well as the external customers.
- The emphasis on the company as a business, providing a valuable,
and needed, service. And as in any business, there is the element
of competition.
- The focus on self-management. It is now accepted that in order to
manage others you must be able to manage yourself. There needs
therefore to be a strong emphasis on self-awareness and
self-development.
So, more than ever in history, the manager is required to be "multi
skilled"; to develop a greater range of skills, to deal with a wider
range of situations, to deal with a wider range of people and issues.
Realisations Consultancy would be delighted to discuss your
management education needs with you and to customise a program for
your company and managers.
Please contact Dr Genevieve Armson (08) 9470 2662 or
genevieve@realisations.com.au
