The software for success for a first-line manager - 'The Enablers', Issue V, Vol. 1 12 November 2010

Dear Friends,

At the outset, I wish you a very Deepawali!

I also wish a Happy New Year to my friends from Gujarat whose new starts on 7th November!

The 5^th issue of ‘The Enablers’ issue brings you the second part of the article from Mr. Atmanathan S. who has been dedicating his time towards development of First-line managers in the Indian pharma industry. For more details, please do refer our 3^rd (i.e. September 2010 issue).  Also all past issues are available on the blog: http://theenablersnewsletter.blogspot.com.

In this issue, Mr. Atmanathan S.  writes about the development of application software for the First-line managers and how important these managerial soft skills are.

Please do go through it and feel free to express your candid comments and valuable feedback on this article. I welcome your suggestions to further enrich this e-newsletter. 

Of course, you have every right to transmit this issue to the First-line managers and other related field staff in your organization.

You can write to vivekhattangadi@yahoo.co.in or the enablers@gmail.com.

With warm regards,

Vivek Hattangadi

Ahmedabad 

079-26601479 / 9376100041  

Congratulations! Now, you are an Area Sales Manager!

The software for success (Part 2)

By: Atmanathan S.

In my previous article in the September Issue, I had stressed upon the importance of mindset. You will recall that mindset is similar to the operating system of a computer.  Operating system is an interface between hardware and software in a computer system.  Without an operating system, a computer would be useless. For effectiveness of a computer, apart from the operating system, many more application softwares are necessary.

Similarly, for the effectiveness of a First-line manager many such application softwares are a must. These are the behavioural aspects of a practising manager which is closely linked to ‘mindset’. We shall discuss a few of them here.   

Remember, all these application softwares can work smoothly only if the operating system namely our mindset is precise and appropriate. There are some commonalities too.

Application software for First-line managers

Self Awareness for self development: A manager should be aware of his own qualities – his strengths and his improvement areas (generally called weaknesses). One of the important awareness is to understand our social needs. These needs are called ‘need for power’, need for affiliation’ and ‘need for achievement’. A manager should introspect regularly and understand which need is dominant. A balance of these needs is ideal. Do a SWOT Analysis regularly.  High level of self discipline that leads to effective habits and practises. Self-discipline is the ability to get ourselves to take action regardless of our emotional state. Some components of self-discipline include hard work, willpower and persistence. Self-discipline is like a muscle. The more we train it, the stronger we become. Practising self-discipline will raise our esteem and respect before all. 3.    Principles and value centeredness:  Any manager who practises high principles and values can earn respect of others. Preaching principles is far easier than practising.   4.    Clear personal and professional goals:  If a manager has clarity in his personal and professional goals, he will be the ‘torch bearer’ to his followers.  This is one important competency that a manager needs to develop. 5.    Passion for goal achievement: If we have a passion, this positive quality will spread among our team members. 6.    High energy and enthusiasm level: Enthusiasm is extremely contagious and spreads rapidly.  High energy and enthusiasm levels in the manager can motivate everyone. 7.    Conviction & Commitment: In whatever we do, we should have 100% faith, belief and conviction. Do not indulge in any activity in which we do not believe nor should we ask others to do. 8.    Determination, resilience and tenacity:  In life success and failure are common. How strongly we follow our goals without getting disheartened is a great managerial quality. 9.    Managerial Maturity: It is the ability to control anger and settle differences without hostility towards any one. Managerial maturity means patience. It also means perseverance. A mature manager has the capacity to face unpleasantness and frustration, discomfort and defeat, without complaint or collapse. He is full of humility and is courageous enough to say, "I was wrong." And, when right, does not derive satisfaction by saying, "I told you so."  10. Interpersonal Skills: Interpersonal Skills are essential to build an achieving team. Any team is built on the platform of:                i.        Openness and Transparency              ii.        Mutual Respect and Mutual Trust             iii.        Positivity If all the 3 things are in place, then the Manager, through his interpersonal skills, can build an achieving team.  Interpersonal skills consists of (a)Effective observation & listening ability (b)Sensitivity & behavioural flexibility (c) Empathy (d) Supportiveness (f)  Broad mindedness and magnanimity (g)Responding rather then reacting

Let us consciously work on these application software’s and strive to make them flawless. We have to work on ‘Hardware’ too, which we will discuss in the next article.

Stimulators

1.   1. Have you ever done a SWOT Analysis? If not done so far, do it on a regular basis and discuss with your immediate superior.

2. 2. What is the first step to ensure self-discipline in your team?

3.3. Which application software will you develop for your career progress?

Pearls of wisdom from some great people

“Self improvement simply means improving your overall personality- physical, mental and spiritual- through your own efforts. It is a continuous process”. - Anon “Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength.”  - August Wilson “Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else”. - Judy Garland