Delegating responsibility is one of a manager’s first priorities. No matter how great or small my assignment, I developed a system for the work to go on even when I was not there. I prepare competent people to take my place successfully when I move on. This is one of the… Continue reading
My staff knows my door is always open, but they also know my number-one priority is getting the job done right and on time. They have come to me with personal problems in the past only when those personal problems might interfere with work progress. I have shown sympathy, but… Continue reading
(If you have had experience:) I’ve supervised highly credentialed professionals in (one/several) of my jobs, specifically _________________. The work I was required to supervise and evaluate was very specialized. In many cases, I learned from them as the work progressed. It is very stimulating to work with highly educated people…. Continue reading
Generally, yes, because I have found that my prob-lem-solving and decision-making methods work. But I am flexible, and when a proposed solution clearly isn’t getting the expected results, I modify. Sometimes a minor change will make a major difference.
Before I act, I think. I try to distance myself from the problem so I can look at it objectively and analyze all sides. Sometimes I even write it down to see it more clearly. When I’ve reached a decision, I present my planned solution to the people affected by… Continue reading
First, I’d make sure I followed all applicable company rules and procedures and any laws that govern the given situation. People should have at least one warning and a chance to improve their performance. I would counsel confidentially and give a written warning covering a specific period of time, along… Continue reading
I remember it well. I had to _____________________ ____________ (make a decision that would affect the jobs of several employees, perhaps require permanent layoffs). I thought seriously about the consequences to the employer, without ignoring the human factors involved. I arrived at a solution that produced the best result for… Continue reading
In most cases, a manager must develop a uniform and consistent communication style so that employees know what to expect. I would say I project assertiveness and a positive attitude when communicating with my staff, but I’m also flexible. Good managers are skilled in the art of communication and sensitive… Continue reading
I don’t overanalyze the reasons for management decisions. Any decision is only as good as the facts on which it is based. Management has access to market research, projections, and other important data. Yet, sometimes, even with the best input, things don’t work out. Overall, the companies I’ve worked for… Continue reading
I’ve developed a sense of the type of employee who will do a particular job well, and also a sense of which people work best together in a given situation; so there’s always been a minimum of unrest and turnover among the troops. I think any manager’s best bet is… Continue reading