By Ted Pollock, Management Consultant
COMMON DENOMINATORS OF SUCCESS
While no one is born a good leader, one study has pinpointed these traits as common among effective managers:
- They can work efficiently despite frustrations.
- They examine themselves to try to understand their errors without becoming upset over them.
- They accept competition without feeling threatened.
- They can let others know their annoyance without running wild.
- They can take victory or defeat with equanimity.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BREAKS AT THE VDT
Anyone who sits in one position doing a task for a long time will suffer mental and physical fatigue. That most definitely includes those who sit in front of video display terminals (VDTs).
A video display screen requires sustained eye concentration. So it’s a good idea to look away from the screen from time to time. And if the people you manage have jobs that require long bouts at the terminal, be sure to give them the freedom and flexibility to take breaks as needed.
THE LETTER EVERYONE LIKES TO RECEIVE
The most welcome letter of all: the one the recipient never expected to receive!
Few gestures do so much to cement good will as the writing of a “keep-in-touch” letter, the letter with no purpose other than letting somebody know you are thinking of him or her. Occasions for such communications are many and varied. Some ideas:
- Congratulations. On a promotion. For election to a civic post. On a business or professional success. For a birthday or anniversary. On an outstanding achievement by a family member. To celebrate a new home.
- Thank you. For a favor. For a suggestion. For new business. For a helpful criticism.
- Offer a suggestion. You’ve come across a capable carpenter; Bob Smith mentioned that he’s looking for one. Or you know where Myrna Jones can pick up a good used car. Or you’ve heard of a job opening that sounds ideal for Sam Carter. In each case, a letter from you could represent a king-size favor for someone. Why not write it?
- Pass along news. About business opportunities. On competitive activity. Of new products or techniques. On a change in company policies. About mutual friends.
PROBLEM PEOPLE: WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Most of the people with whom we come into contact on the job are a pleasure to work with. But there are some other kinds, too. How should they be handled? Some types-and suggestions on getting along with them:
- People who think you’re telling them how to do their jobs and resent it: They may feel they know their jobs better than anyone else. Get them to feel that their experience can be valuable to others; that the purpose of talking to them is to exchange ideas and pool experience.
- People who carry personal grudges: Avoid discussions about their pet peeves. If necessary, explain that you’re not interested in their personal prejudices, but in running a smoothly operating department.
- People who are wrong but won’t admit it: Avoid direct criticism, sarcasm or ridicule. Use indirect methods. For example, analyze a “similar case” without any reference to them. Above all, talk to them in private.
- People who quibble over the most trivial details and love to get other people’s goats. The first rule: Keep cool. Draw them out with questions. Whenever possible, cite hard facts and figures that refute their position.
- People who talk: Try to seize the initiative in your conversation. In some cases, it is acceptable to (a) have your secretary or a colleague “interrupt” you after 10 or 15 minutes; (b) plead another appointment; (c) even reach for your hat and coat.
