As I prepared to write a blog about being a great manager, I thought it would make sense to consult an expert on the subject–a man who has been managing people for nearly 6 decades and seems to have mastered the art of human interaction both in and out of the workplace. My father, a PhD chemist, has spent his professional life running plastics companies. As he embarks on his 80th year, he refuses to retire. I am convinced that this is because he has a lot to offer; that, and the fact that his favorite hobby is his work. He provides an interesting perspective on the topic of managing people.…
So many of us worry about our jobs, we worry about our businesses. The challenge is that worrying doesn’t give us job security or keep business moving forward. Worrying causes stress and sleepless nights. If instead of worrying you used your energy to make yourself indispensable, you would gain confidence. Once you established confidence, the worry would fall away.
The question becomes, how can you make yourself indispensible? Begin by examining the business you are in. What are the weaknesses or challenges in that business? Next, look at your strengths. Can you apply any of your talents to the challenges that the business is experiencing?…
Years ago I worked with a coach that was instrumental in teaching me how to “manage up.” The way we get ahead in the corporate world is by showing people how good we truly are. This is the essence of how we should manage up. Sometimes just fulfilling tasks that represent what you view as “your job” is not enough. Brown-nosing isn’t the answer either, as this does little to show your true capabilities.
There are times when you know you will be meeting with your superiors. In most of those cases, you will have an idea of what will be discussed.…