Are you responsible?

By Peter Mosley

Any organization would be well served by adopting a people-driven marketing program and adopting a “Responsible Manager” ideology.

A Responsible Manager is effective without the excessive stress experienced by managers who are “Achievement Managers”. They provide feedback to employees by praising their positive performance and providing constructive feedback for negative performance. The basic management philosophy is that people are productive and creative individuals who do not need manipulation or over protection. It is important to resist the idea that people are incompetent or lazy (Identified by self protected management styles.) or powerless and trapped (Identified by unconscious management styles.). The Responsible Manager has equal concern for both the staff’s productivity and their needs. The mission of Responsible Management is to operate through employee involvement through delegation, participation and team building.

The “Responsible Manager” has been described by Abraham Maslow as a “Self-actualized Person”; by Carl Rogers as a “Fully-functioning Person”; by Erich Fromm as an “Individuated Person”; by Eric Berne as a “Winner”.

People at this level of functioning show a high level of adaptability, flexibility and creativity. In short, they are very mature, positive about themselves and about others. They have a win/win outlook and approach to others. The ultimate goal in any organization is to have as many people operating on this level as possible.

The role of the manager is difficult to define. Every manager’s job is unique. Regardless of the titles, the management position has one important common denominator - all managers require the basic need to work with and through other people.

A Responsible Manager displays the following traits:

A strong self image.
-  Self knowledge
-  Self confidence
-  Emotional maturity

Positive attitudes.
-  Ability to see the big picture
-  Willingness to confront problems
-  Practical judgment
-  Goals directed
-  Openness to growth opportunities

 Leadership skills.
-  Ability to motivate without relying on authority or power
-  Ability to motivate myself

Success behaviors and habits.
-  Decisive
-  Proactive, responsible
-  Ability to plan & organize
-  Effective time management

Are you are Responsible Manager?