MANAGEMENT 101 How do you define management?
Have you ever wondered what managers do? If yes, then here is what F. JOHN REH has to say on this crucial subject, especially to those in the
management profession. First, management is both an art and a science. Did I hear you say how? Okay, it’s simply the art of making people more effective and productive than they would have been without you. How you go about it is the scientific part. More practically, when a man helps four workers produce eight units in an eight-hour shift who formerly used to produce six units, he is a manager! Management is putting people to their most effective and efficient use. This concept, however, revolves on certain key points: 1. Plan: the beginning of every good management is good planning, and here is what a good plan simply entails; first figure out your goals aims and objectives, figure out a way to achieve these goals, check resources, compare strength and weaknesses, have alternative course of actions, and finally evaluate your plans. Find out what works where and how best. 2. Organize: put things together, make it happen, check if you have everything you need to kick start, check how well trained your employees are. Are they well motivated? Just put things where they ought to produce results. 3. Direct: Begin! See that every employee does what he/she is supposed to do. Conduct the activities of the
organization given everything you need now, the right number of employees, well designated specializations… just begin! 4. Monitor: finally, check on things frequently. See that the motion is not broken. Tackle problems as they arise because you have seen it coming and you know what to do, make necessary adjustments here and there. Hey, all these are not very easy, but with study and practice it can be successfully achieved. Management is a skill, so work on it!