This document provides 7 tips for being a better people manager: 1) Remember the past as it is key to the future, 2) Find a mentor to guide you, 3) Find a group to share the journey with, 4) See adversities as opportunities for growth, 5) Know your values, vision, and mission, 6) Take action every day, 7) Maintain a great mind and body to be happy and successful.
7 Powerful Methods to Becoming a Better People Managerby Dr. Jim Sellner Ph.D.
1. Understanding the Past Is Key to Creating Future SuccessesThe phrase, "Those Who Forget Their History Are Doomed to Repeat It" is a good thing to keep in mind. Think of three major professional mistakes you've made in the past. Then answer the following: "What did I learn?"; and "What will I do differently next time?"
2. Find a Mentor to Guide You Through Your Mistakes and SuccessesManaging people is a time sport because no one of us is smarter than all of us. Hooking up with a trusted, more experienced advisor is key to a manager's long-term success. Professional athletes understand this much more than most business managers. Every professional athlete has at least 4-5 coaches to help her/him get better, every day, in everyway.
3. Find a Group of Other Respected, Trusted Managers to Share the Journey WithShared experience builds wisdom, a capacity to deal with the unanticipated. A group of trusted colleagues is also a great resource when we make mistakes so we can learn from them.
4. Transform Adversities Into Opportunities for Getting BetterNo one goes through this life without facing many difficult, painful, anxiety-producing, unwanted negative experiences. Drop back and punt. Develop a perspective on the situation. Engage your group of trusted colleagues and your mentor to figure out what to do next.
5. Get Clear on Your Values, Vision and Mission - personally and professionallyValues are what's important to you. Vision -- where do you want to be in five years? Mission - what do you have to do to get there? Review, reflect and revise these things every 90 days to make sure you are on track. Is this managerial role fulfilling your values? Are you living you values in your personal life? If "NO" to any of these questions, what is it you need to do to live a congruent life. If "YES"then have a little celebration with the people who are important to you.
6. Take Action In Every Way, Every Day, to Move Toward Your VisionThe successful manager is an action-oriented person. Use the action-research method -- No research without action, no action without research.
7. Take Care of Your Body and Your MindYour body and mind are the powerhouses that your spirit relies on for satisfaction. Without your health you can't think properly. Without a sharp mind you lapse into confusion. Poor health and confusion depresses your spirit. A depressed spirit is like a deflated helium-filled balloon - it has no lift. Good nutrition. Adequate exercise. Rest and relaxation are key to developing a health body/mind/spirit.