How to be a Good Manager An IAM Group Ltd Singapore Guide

Part 1

IAM Group Limited likes to get back to its roots every once in a while. With growing members across the globe living as far as Yokohama, Japan; Alaska, USA; and even New Zealand, there will always be a need to refresh everyone that being a middle-management is very tough work but can be tamed like a mountain lion.

A newly pledged manager can find it hard to adapt to certain environments. Even so, there is always a definite line that would help in being a savvy manager.

Direct and immediate feedback tends to be the most effective and the most welcome.

People don't like having their mistakes ticked off and used against them later. Confront issues head-on immediately when they arise (obviously be professional about it) and you're much more likely to get honesty and professionalism in return. That said, it's important to be aware that not everyone communicates in the same manner – there may be people you encounter who don't like direct feedback and want to be pulled aside. It's important to respect this communication style, even if it isn't your preferred manner of doing things.

To go along with this, give the team members a little time to work on their flaws once they've been pointed out. I had a manager once give me a talk about things I was doing wrong and then a week later told me they were letting me go and then proceeded to tell me MORE things that I had supposedly done wrong (but actually hadn't).

Keep on top of things!

READ emails. Seriously. Some of the managers I work with only read the last sentence of the last email in a thread and ask a bunch of inane questions demonstrating the fact they didn't read the thread.

Don't be assertive for the sake of being assertive. There's nothing more frustrating than a "decision-maker" with a limited understanding of the situation handing out edicts from upon high. Understand when you need more information to make an educated decision. Only make snap decisions when they are truly time sensitive.

Don't get a big head about it. Stay humble while still demanding respect of those you are supervising, but establish that you will not let them mistake your kindness for weakness. Other than that, I think it is admirable that you noticed the exceptional job your boss did and if it worked best for the company then you should try to follow that plan.

Always use your best discretion. Don't make hasty decisions unless it is literally your only option. Don't procrastinate too! When you feel overwhelmed, just stay calm and tell yourself you can handle it. You will be in a leadership position and people will look to you for stability, so you need to give that to them. If they see you falling apart, they will too.

Here at IAM Group Limited Singapore, we always tell fellow managers to be good with their co-workers. Don't be afraid to ask your coworkers for ideas on how everyone could improve things that need work that might not have been addressed yet, or asking your manager what he would have done in that position. By doing that, your coworkers will have more respect for you as they will feel involved with the future of the company's big decisions.

Also as a final advice, be professional, not uptight. There's a big difference, and it all comes down to maturity.