by Eddy Parham, SPHR
I was recently reminded of the fact that there are two very different types of managers - those who serve and those who think, based on their position, that they should be served. I was rather surprised that the latter still existed but I can attest to the fact that they are not extinct. While I was contemplating why these managers still exist, a friend shared with me The 10 Commandments for People Managers. These Commandments sum up the qualities of those managers who strive to serve their employees and I thought I'd share them with you. These Commandments also epitomize everything that the positional manager is not. So, without further delay, I present The 10 Commandments for People Managers
The Ten Commandments for People Managers
1. Be honest and transparent - always let people know the real facts/situations. No hidden agendas.
2. Keep your promises - if you say you are going to do something, make very sure you do it. If an unforeseen circumstance prevents that, let them know right away. Don't make a promise if you are not sure you can deliver.
3. Set the example - don't ask people to do things you would not do yourself. If you set rules, make sure you follow them yourself without exception.
4. Be strict but fair - people will accept strict rules as long as everyone follows them. Never show favoritism.
5. Show compassion - listen to people's problems even if they are not work related. Sometimes they just need an ear. Show interest for people's lives outside work and make efforts to know their families. Organizing an open house for families to visit the office can be a great moral booster.
6. Be punctual and expect punctuality - insist that people show up on time for meetings, let them know how long the meeting will take and stick with that. Make sure they have an agenda prior to the meeting and come prepared. Appropriate penalties for people who show up late for gatherings (bringing the donuts comes to mind). This will set the tone for a professional atmosphere in an office.
7. Don't criticize people in front of others. No gossip - sometimes it is hard not to criticize people but usually it serves no purpose. Try to constructively judge an action rather than the person. Discourage gossip and never participate in it.
8. Be loyal to your superior and keep him/her happy - a very critical and difficult command. He/She is the one who most likely got you where you are today and may take you with him on his way up. Always be constructive and positive in your criticism of his/her actions. Make sure you tell him/her of your concerns but be willing to execute them even if you think they are wrong. Never complain behind his/her back if you are not willing to say the same thing in front of him/her.
9. Don't strive to be liked but strive to be respected - being respected for your professionalism, your capabilities, your fairness, and your overall attitude should be your main objective. The rest is gravy.
10. Always be optimistic and cheerful - your attitude will set the tone for the atmosphere in the department. Hopefully it will be a "can do" attitude. Every problem is potential opportunity. Expect from people that they look at the resources they would need to get a project done rather than reasons it cannot be done and act that way yourself. Do not tolerate negativism.
Oh, if it were only this easy!
</br>
