Open discussion board
Real world work situations can result in some of the best learning experiences that we retain as life lessons. In an online environment, it can be difficult to pass on things with informal communication to each other. For this discussion board, I would like for everyone to share their stories, advice and insight for being a good manager or leader. Sometimes it’s the simplest thing that can make the difference between a horrible boss and a great one. What tactics have you seen work and what have you seen fail? Any stories about great or bad managers and if so what made them so good/bad?
Some of the best advice came to me while I was in grad school. I had a professor (PhD from UNC) tell the class that he could sum up a four year degree in Management in one sentence. I still remember that sentence verbatim; “The key to being a good manager is for all employees to perceive that they are being treated equally.” While it seems simple enough, I have found it to be true in my experiences. Here are some more that seem like common sense but are missed often:
All managers should have an anonymous suggestion box.
Promote communication and don’t get upset when an employee gives you bad news. It will prevent the truth from coming to you in the future.
Small things like appearance and the way you speak can set a tone.
Always maintain a boundary between being a boss and a friend.
Proofread your emails, memos, and letters.
The customer is not always right but don’t get into an argument with them in front of other customers.