To be a good manager is not easy. You must be educated and have a lot of experience in this role. Today, I would like to share some of my own experiences as a leader at Mengly J. Quach Education for seven years:
1. You need to know the principles of the division and the company.
As a manager, you need to know the department and company’s principles to tell if your employees are doing right or wrong. Then you can commend, motivate, advise or reinforce them.
2. You need to know the character of all the employees.
Knowing the character of each employee will make it easier for you to work and solve problems with them successfully; this also gives you the chance to see the strength and weaknesses of every employee.
3. Be a person that is approachable to employees.
As a manager, you must be humble and take the lead without being arrogant. Arrogance could scare employees away when they need or seek your help.
4. Always answer questions and requests of employees.
Timely responses to employees’ questions and requests make them more confident in your leadership. Giving them, Yes and No answers does not mean solving their problems. All responses must be understood and explained to the employees. There should be a follow-through until the solution has been done or the issues have been solved.
5. Be able to receive and praise the opinions and ideas of employees.
When you take employees’ opinions and ideas, they feel valued, which makes them more involved in giving feedback and support for the company’s growth.
6. Act as a consultant and facilitator for staff.
When you find out that your employee has a work or a personal problem, you need to find a solution or empathize by meeting them in person for advice and coordination.
7. Do not use obscene language against employees under any circumstances.
Using inappropriate words against employees, such as insults and threats, is not an excellent way to manage employees; instead, you will get backlash and dissatisfied staff who might turn out to pour anger and make the situation even worse.
8. Must work with staff harmoniously and not stand in command.
If you want the respect and trust of the staff, you need to take some time to work directly with them, then know more about their personal lives.
9. Be a man of your word.
Your words influence and empower all your employees. Your promises are fresh as the river waters that flow. Mean what you say and walk the talk. This way, you will earn your employee trust.
10. Encourage the employees to take full responsibility for their actions.
If you find that your employee has made a mistake or failed in doing their responsibilities, you must meet and take the necessary measures. Provide profound instructions or a verbal warning not to repeat the mistakes and be more prepared next time.
11. Be fair with all the employees.
If there is a good or bad report about an employee, you must gather all the information before meeting them. Weigh consequences and create decisions for the betterment of the majority.
12. Be a good example to employees.
Influential managers need to set a good example for their employees. If you forbid them to do something, you should not do it. Example: You informed employees not to be late for work, but you often arrived late. If so, you might lose your integrity in calling the attention of the staff who come late.
13. Must schedule staff inspection without prior notice.
Unannounced inspections of employees give employees a constant alert in their performance and make them think that you, as a leader, are monitoring employees’ work keeps their pacing a routine with quality.
14. Be as patient as possible with staff.
Patience is a great power that makes employees respect you unknowingly. Instead, aggression creates internal divisions and conflicts and makes employees see your weaknesses.
15. Do not take advantage of employees.
When an employee does well, you need to commend, promote and showcase his qualities to others, which makes them more motivated and will also inspire others.
16. When faced with a problem, do not panic; instead, persevere to find a solution.
As a manager, you have to show strength in handling the position in all circumstances, do not panic when faced with problems. Otherwise, the problem becomes more uncontrollable, and then the staff will see your weak spot and could affect the whole system and the environment.
17. Must know how to plan and follow the five points by Dr. Mengly J. Quach.
Knowing how to plan the work that will be entrusted to employees is essential for managers. I also believe that it is vital to implement the five points of Dr. Mengly J. Quach: Plan, Implement, Follow up and Update.
By Mr. Tong Pheak