Strange things, management. It's something few of us set out in life to do, yet most of us find ourselves doing at some point.
Careers adviser: what would you like to do when you leave school?
16 year old: I want to be a manager.
Did this happen to you? No, me neither. But here you are anyway.
Now you as a manager
As a manager you are expected to be a lot of things. A tower of strength, a leader and innovator, a magician (conjuring up pay rises, resources and extra staff at the drop of a hat), a kindly uncle/aunt, a shoulder to cry on, a dynamic motivator, a stern but fair judge, a diplomat, a politician, a financial wizard (no, this is quiet different from being a magician), a protector, a saviour and a saint.
your responsibilities as the manager
You are responsible for a whole gang of people that you probably didn't pick, may not like, might have nothing in common and who perhaps won't like you much. You to coax out of them a decent day's work. You are also responsible for their physical, emotional and mental safety and care. You have to ensure that they can carry out their jobs according to whatever legislation your company warrants. You have to know your rights, their rights, the company's right, the union rights.
And on top of all this, you are expected to do your work as well.
Oh yes, and you have to remain cool and calm, you can't shout, throw things or have favourites. This management business is a tall order.
can this be easy at your path?
Endurance protocol
You are responsible for looking after and getting the best out of team. This team may behave at times like kids- and you can't smack them(or possibly even sack them). At other times they will behave petulant teenagers - sleeping in late, not turning up, refusing to do any real work, if they do turn up slopping up early - that sort of thing.
Tell me you can take all of that?
Be a buffer zone between higher management and your staff
As a manager, you are also expected to be a buffer zone between the higher management and your staff. Nonsense may come down from on high you have to;
1. Sell it to your team
2. Not groan loudly or laugh
3. Get your team to work with it even if it is nonsense.
Can you take that up?
A time to compromise who you really are
You also have to justify the 'no pay rise this year' mentality even if it has to be completely demotivated your team. You will have to keep secret any knowledge you
Have takeovers, mergers, acquisitions, secret deals, senior management buyouts and the likes, despite that the rumors are flying and you are being constantly asked questions by your team.
Can u do that?
You are responsible not only for people but also for budgets, discipline, communications, efficiency, legal matters, union matters, pensions, sick health and safety matters, personnel matters, maternity leave paternity leave,holidays, time off, time out, time sheets, whip -arounds and leaving presents, rotas, industry standard, fire drills first aid, fresh aire, heating plumbing parking space, lightening, stationary, resource, and teas and and coffees. And thats not to mention small matters of customers.