Through the years we have all come across managers who tell us they’re looking at a problem objectively, and then proceed to explain their attitudes or solutions in a most subjective way. When a manager starts off by claiming to be completely objective, you must wonder why she says this. When you hear such a…
Category: Project Manager
The Mindset of a Manager: Self Infatuation, Weaknesses and Prejudice
You have to put forth your best image, but don’t be so successful at it that, like the movie star, you fall for your own publicity. Be willing to admit to yourself what your shortcomings are. You’d be surprised at how many managers can’t do that. They, of course, have shortcomings. They can’t be experts…
Strategies for Improving Self Image
Anyone can work on improving his/her self image . Here are three methods that have proven successful when it comes to improving self image. The first method is called visualization. You try to visualize a specific outcome that is important to you. Visualization is a tool commonly used by successful athletes. Competitive skiers are not…
Developing a Positive Self Image
Having a positive opinion of your own ability is not an ego problem if it’s a realistic assessment. People can get awfully mixed up in dealing with this self image thing. There are always people who want you to feel guilty if you have a healthy opinion of yourself. But as the old saying goes,…
Talking About Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Emotional intelligence is a management concept with which you need to be familiar. Social scientists and psychologists have found that managers and leaders who have high levels of emotional intelligence, or a high emotional quotient (EQ), seem to do much better in their managerial and leadership roles than their counterparts who have average or low…
6 Easy Tricks to Improve Hiring
Nothing you do as a manager is more important than hiring well. Nothing. You cannot afford to take shortcuts in hiring decisions. One bad hiring decision can cost you hundreds of hours trying to address the problems created by that decision. If you are uncertain or uncomfortable about a prospective team member, trust your instincts.…
Adaptive Hiring: Select The Right Candidate For The Job
Unemployment Effects on Hiring If your area has a high unemployment rate, you’ll get better acting performances from prospective employees. People who desperately need steady work and a steady paycheck will take almost any kind of job. They will also more adroit in selling the interviewer on why they should have the job. With high…
How to interview prospects the right way
Most managers do too much talking and too little listening during the interview process. The interview with the prospect is a two-way sizing up. Naturally, the candidate wants the job, so candidates will give you the answers they believe will maximize their chances. Any applicant who doesn’t do this isn’t bright enough to be hired.…
How to Manage Problem Employees
Not all employees you manage will be successful on the job. Someone who is performing poorly may require additional training, transfer to another area where the employee may shine, or ultimately, outright dismissal. Too often, in large companies, managers unload their problem employees onto another department. This is not being fair to your fellow managers,…
Managing Customer Relationships
In previous articles I have emphasized that ultimate success is not determined by weather the project was completed on time, within budget, or according to specifications, but whether the customer is satisfied with what has been accomplished. Customer satisfaction is the bottom line. Bad news travels faster and further than good news. For every happy…