Management writer Simon Caulkin’s poses the question “Does management matter and if so why?” in the FT Business Education section (04.12.12) It’s a good question. The “management” industry is worth billions but are we much further forward than we were 50 years ago?
I agree that management is essentially an amplifier of ideas. Behind those ideas lies a far more powerful emotion: expectation. Management is a self–fulfilling prophecy after all. Most of us who have worked in companies will recognise the concept that if the boss thinks you are a waste of space and need to be coerced to do your job you will end up being just that. Or leave. More enlightened managers who trust and believe that people are strong, loyal and capable will get that back in spades.
When I sit down with a new team manager at Caxton FX we spend considerable time talking about their own expectations for their team. This is often a challenge as a new manager is yesterday’s team member. Asking them what really matters to them and what they expect from others around them takes time to draw out but is worth the time spent. Strong managers and future leaders are those that can state in clear and explicit terms what they expect in terms of work quality, quantity and behaviour in all respects and at all times. After all many of the people problems that arise derive from expectations not being met
Jane-Emma Peerless
Director of People
Caxton FX
Jane-Emma Peerless
Director of People
Caxton FX
