shannon,
this is a great story! I completely agree that the active listening is key & let me applaud you on being willing to ask the questions in the first place, too many are not willing to do even this.
Dr. Ryan Meers
It is imperative that a positive attitude is utilized to set the tone for all employees' and students. A manager must utilize a positive attitude to communicate with all staff members and students. The ability to listen without interrupting is important for all managers. Knowledge of the educational competencies is very helpful to all people who look to you for guidance and leadership. Everyone likes positive recognition and this should not be overlooked when you are in a position of authority or responsibility. Keeping an "open door policy" whenever possible will encourage staff and students to share their concerns or ideas with you. Respect the people that look to you for guidance, both students and staff. Encourage an open sharing of ideas and possible revisions or changes in the curriculum.
I accepted my management position a little over six months ago. I believe that for me, active listening has been very important. I oversee both students and employees in my current posistion. By listening, I learned that previous management had lacked structure, boundaries, and the ability to set clear expectations. Active listening has enable me to make the necesary changes in order to have a better working environment for my students and employees!
Morgan,
I like what you said, especially about listening. Nothing can replace a leader who listens carefully & effectively.
Dr. Ryan Meers
For me, as a new manager at a Career College, but with over 15 years of experience, some important qualities are listening effectively, communicating clearly and concisely and setting attainable but focused goals for myself and my team. I really try hard to motivate them daily with challenges and rewards, and get them to "buy in" to my philosophies with my upbeat energy and positivity.
Some of the more import skills and competencies for me would have to be, vision and direction. Employees need goals and guidance. I believe that it instills trust and often raises motivation.
Dennis,
yes, these conceptual skills are in great demand for those in leadership.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I feel the most important piece to supervising others is being genuine or real. You staff must trust and believe in you. You can say and do the right thing, but most employees will see right through you, if you are not being genuine.
The most important skills needed are perhaps mental skills. The ability to think fast, adjust quickly, use reason, be calm, and continually improve are needed at all times. Important qualities are basic; integrity, courage, ability to have fun, adaptability, trustworthy, wise, and innovative. Compentencies are in line with qualities. The gauge is how good the individual is in each of the aforementioned qualities.
It may sound corny but I have always admired and utilized the words of Shakespeare's Henry V play, particularly St. Crispin's Day Speech.
It embodies ownership; an absolute commitment to promote success but also takes responsibilities for the misses. I believe this philosophy becomes addictive and spreads within the team; they want to be successful' they want to be proud of achievements and are absolutely willing to commit and support the team as a whole.
Members of the team, become supervisors of each other; challenges are dealt with at their level when suitable. With that being said, there is an understanding that I am open to assist and work to the benefit of the team.
Angie,
I agree with you. And I would add that in the way you approach the situation (if you are new or established) helps to gain credibility.
Dr. Ryan Meers
So true involment of all is important so many times only one or two members of a group are involved this is something I can do better with.
I believe that depending upon if you are a new or established manager determines some approaches you would take; however for both you must have/gain credibility with your staff. If you do not have this it is very difficult to have employees buy in. I think it is very important to have structure set clear expectations with your staff with open communication.
Regina,
I definitely agree with you. These skills which are relational skills, truly help us lead others in an effective manner.
Dr. Ryan Meers
As an established manager the skills, qualities, and competencies that I believe are the most important are empathy, understanding, being detail oriented, goal driven, and team focused. Without these it is very difficult to promote a team environment and therefore, be a productive team. In my experience, the manager's who have succeeded more times than not were the ones who developed a team environment utilizing the above referenced skills and qualities. Additionally, those manager's who were able to develop their teams to also utilize these were able to build stronger and more productive employees.
steve,
These are all key skills for anyone in a leadership position.
Dr. Ryan Meers
TEAM WORK ,VISION AND PEOPLE SKILLS..
You bet and I don't think judgmental...you've experienced life!
Ryan
Thank you for the reminder that not all promises are empty in intent, that some are fully expecting to deliver, but are unable to do so even though they ARE trying. I know also that the inability may come from a road block above their level of management they failed to anticipate, but still their original motive was intent. Add judgmental to my list of things I need to work on.
Yes, trust, credibility, integrity are powerful characteristics in a leader. And I think you make a good point regarding being careful what you promise. Some also promise everything with good intentions & then kill themselves trying to deliver. We need to be realistic in our expectations of ourselves & others.
Ryan
