Saturday, February 16, 2008
How not to manage people
My management problem in not knowing how to appropriately deal with "subordinates". It all started back in Croatia where I grew up and had few jobs before coming here to NYC, about four years ago. On my last two jobs there, when I had to train new people, I would loose my temper very easily. Also, here in school I had an opportunity to be the "project manager" on four out of the five group projects I was a part of. I don't assert my self to that position, it just somehow happens. And although I do have the natural ability to lead and direct, I don't think I do it effectively, although at the end all of the projects turned out to be successful. Few times I caught my self not listening to my team mate but thinking my own thing and then interrupting in half of their sentence with something completely different than they were discussing at the time. Also, it very hard for me to admit that my way of doing things is not necessarily always the best way. I don't think I show the respect to people, I get caught up in executing the project, and I want to do it as fast and as efficient as possible not paying much attention to what others have to say. But, the good thing is that I realized my mistakes and I am trying to be aware of them (the last project was much better), and hopefully with experience I will overcome them.
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5 comments:
Well if you were the “project manager” of 4 out of 5 projects, you are probably doing something to assert yourself to that position, even if you don’t realize it (or maybe you just keep getting stuck with very lazy group members). However, it does look like you are off to a good start. Maybe you should try a more proactive approach in getting your group members to add to the project. Try asking them for their ideas if they don’t tell you on their own. Or maybe you can get them to vote on plans before they get implemented. And when you are training your “subordinates” try to put yourself in their position. Remember if you lose your temper too often, they may grow to resent you and that can mess up your work relationship.
A troop can not win a battle without the soldiers. Listening to the teammates (team players) are very important.
Thank you for sharing.
Hi,
I wonder if you ever took time to think about why you lost your temper or didn't give appropriate respect to youe subordinates. It is important to find some strategies to cover up your inappropriate attitudes as well as to figure out how your attitudes come from. It's good that you realize the problem and try to work on it and hopefully you will overcome the issue very soon.
Trusting other people to do equally quality work is very difficult. I have always had that problem, but the first time that I finally worked for a manager who did exert that trust onto me really opened my eyes. I still am not great about it, but do try!
I think it is very good that you are able to step up and take the reigns in group environments. It is also very good that you have a natural ability to lead. However, sometimes even the best of leaders need to take a step back and listen to other group members. Leading does not mean controlling, nor does it mean absolute authority. Being a leader only means that you will guide your team in the correct and impartial direction. It is also good that you understand this. I hope you become a successful leader in the future.
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