05/22/2009

What is a manager?

I have written one post about what a leader is and here is part II about what a manager is.

A manager performs an organizational function and it does not mean managing of people, it can also mean managing materials. The manager is here to make sure they do what they suppose to do.

The efficient manager makes effective use of material and resources given to them.

Here are some trades a good manager will have

Planning

• Plan the day, week, month
• Put the right people in the right place to be more efficient
• Look at all the probable scenarios
• Figure out the worst possible scenario
• Looking at available resources
• Compare strengths and weaknesses of individuals

Organized

• Prepared the group and make them part of the plan
• Is everybody trained?
• Are the other departments ready
• Is the work force motivated?
• Is the right material ordered?
• Is the equipment ready?
• Are spare parts available for the equipment?
• Does everybody understand their roll?

Direct the teams

Monitor the output

• Watch and make certain everything goes to plan
• Direct and organize people when something is out of sync
• Be aware of outside forces that might will influence the plan's outcome

What is the difference between a Leader and a Manager?

A leader can be a manager, but not every manager is a good leader (don't ask me where I read this)

A manager monitors the output and the productivity of the team there are responsible for. Most of the time a manager was given their position by promotion a leader's position was given through trust.

Bettina Settles

 Written by Bettina Settles 05/22/2009 ©