#20 - Management Series - How to Manage YOU
Thursday, May 28th 2009 @ 9:39 AM
Every manager and leader needs to know how best to manage themselves before they can manage and lead others. This article explores how to review your own strengths and weaknesses and takes a looks at your values.
---
As we are in very challenging times, it is still worth remembering that the key is how you manage oneself as this ultimately shapes your career and opportunities.
We live in an age of unprecedented opportunity, where companies today aren’t managing their employees’ careers; it is up to you to carve out your place, to know when to change course, to keep yourself engaged and productive during your working life time.
To do these things well, you’ll must have a deep understanding of yourself; know your strengths, weaknesses, how best to learn, how to get the best from working with others and know what your values are.
The key question you should be asking yourself is.....where can I make the greatest contribution?????
So lets deep dive some of these points:
What do I do well/what are my strengths?
- Do you know what you are good at...are you sure...have you instilled a discipline of asking for feedback on a regular basis to get a good picture on this.
- Feedback is good - it can highlight some bad habits you may not be aware of.
- Look carefully at what skills you want to acquire, because your energy, resources, and time should go into those areas that you can excel and not in areas that you recognise of not having a natural talent for.
Performance is all about knowing yourself because the people who achieve the outstanding results are those who work in ways which their working environment supports this high level of performance.
Lets take a look at how we learn and act on this knowledge.
Most people would know how they learn best. Is it through listening or reading?
But not everyone would say that they act on this knowledge...and why not?
To answer that question, you need to understand your working environment. Does it support your preference in working with others or working alone.
Also, do you like to advise or are you one wanting to make decisions?
And finally, do I like working in a structured organisation or do I get the best out of myself by working under pressure.
So the key point to note is to work on improving yourself, by do not take on work that will not suit your working style, preferences as this will only mean that you will perform poorly!!
And lastly, what about values…..
I find that values will say a lot about what you believe and stand for.
Remember that working for a company whose value system is incompatible with your own will only frustrate you and aftect your performance and well being.
Values, in other words, are and should be the ultimate test.
It can also give you an insight in where you belong and where is your best working opportunity.
Successful careers do not just happen, they are very carefully planned. People take the opportunities because they know their strengths, their method of work, and their values.
Knowing where you belong can trully transform you!!
Good luck everyone....
