62 answers
Angelina
Student
Mentor, Ohio
23
Questions
Asked
24706 views
If you were your own manager for one day, what would you change?
If you were in charge of the department you work in for one day, what would you do differently? Would it be something with the actual work you do, or the place you work in?
Thanks for your time!
#career-choice #change-management #project-management #professional-training #computer-software #healthcare #law #information-technology #telecommunications
Login to comment
62 answers
Sam Fugazzotto
Registrar at Teachers College, Columbia University
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sam’s Answer
If I could change anything at all, it would be to instill in members of the department the underlying reasons for why we're all doing the work we're doing. It's very easy to forget the purposes for the work that we do in the day-to-day; I think that happens in any industry or line of work.
Great point, thank you!
Angelina
Susan Latsis
Customer Service Supervisor
8
Answers
Wilmington, North Carolina
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Great question I strongly believe culture is everything if you have a great team culture the numbers will follow. I would continue to build on the strong culture that we already have. I would make sure that everyone's vision is the same so we can grow and develop together as one
Your answer is great Susan, thanks so much for sharing your expertise! At this moment there are more than 800 unanswered questions so I wanted to encourage you to keep going! So many students will benefit tremendously from hearing from you. Keep up the great work!
Jordan Rivera, Admin
COACH
I believe culture is one of the most important things to get right with an organization. I’d spend the day doing some team-building activities.
Melissa White
R. Scott Sanders
Vice President, Dell Finance
15
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
R. Scott’s Answer
Listening and acknowledging the effort and importance of what each individual is working on for the Company.
Thank you for answering, Mr. Sanders! I appreciate it.
Angelina
Chaimaa Moujahid
Bid manager
3
Answers
Casablanca, Grand Casablanca, Morocco
Updated
Chaimaa’s Answer
It is more common than not to find managers that are too hierarchy-centered, i.e set extreme boundaries between themselves and their teams. This creates a wedge between these latter, affecting the working environment and hence the firm's productivity levels. A work relationship built on transparency and trust, however, adds to the comfort of both managers and their teams.
That in mind, what I would do if I were a manager for a day is to sit my entire team and have a genuine, hierarchy-less conversation to figure out the general mood of the workplace. Honest questions will bring forward honest answers, which would then lead to honest change in our working environment. A day's worth of complete transparency might then lead to an overall better productivity levels and pleasant workplace.
That in mind, what I would do if I were a manager for a day is to sit my entire team and have a genuine, hierarchy-less conversation to figure out the general mood of the workplace. Honest questions will bring forward honest answers, which would then lead to honest change in our working environment. A day's worth of complete transparency might then lead to an overall better productivity levels and pleasant workplace.
That is an excellent point, thank you so much!
Angelina
I would have an employee appreciation day once a month. I find that appreciation goes along way toward high performance. At the end of the month, as a manager I would recognize top performers to the team and also award them in some way. A few minutes offline time, opportunities for theme to share best practices, or employee spotlights throughout the industry.
Bobby Lee
Joanne Mammarelli
Systems Engineer
137
Answers
Montclair, New Jersey
Updated
Joanne’s Answer
To be honest, I would keep it simple and have an 'early dismissal with pay' for all.
A simple act of kindness to show appreciation for a staff is well worth it.
A simple act of kindness to show appreciation for a staff is well worth it.
Thank you!
Angelina
Dear Angelina,
I would like to reward failures. The social stigma around failures puts unnecessary pressure on one and all. I would like to set the mission statement as "Do your best and don't worry about the outcomes". Essentially, don't be too obsessed about the end goal. It is how you approach it is what matters.
Good luck.
Ashwath
Ashwath Kannan
Cindie Horton
Sr. Manager - Data Privacy
29
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Cindie’s Answer
Hi Angelina. Today, I am not a direct manager of people. I have been in the past...I think the largest group I've had responsibility for is about 50; the most direct reports about 15 to 20. When I reflect on what I would have done different when I was a direct manager of people, I think the main thing is to plan more when meeting with them one on one and then follow up on the conversations we've had to ensure progress or resolution. People who report to you look to you for direction and/or affirmation of the direction that they are taking and their results. People want to perform and they need to know what is important to you and the business you both represent.
Kim Igleheart
Grassroots Organizer | Career Counselor | Police Officer
1576
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
I too work at a career center. We currently have a goal of getting clients back to work within ten weeks, but the focus is on giving them job referrals, with little help in making them "job-ready." I would implement a process that shifts the focus away from how many job referrals we give to our clients. Instead, I would have a "gate-keeper" tasked with reviewing each resume, and making sure it is a GOOD resume, rather than just "acceptable," before case managers could give job referrals to the client.
Great question!
Great question!
That is good advice, thank you so much!
Angelina
Chirayu Rupani
Data Analyst
295
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
If in charge, one might focus on improving workplace morale, productivity, and efficiency by implementing strategies such as:
-Encouraging open communication and collaboration
-Implementing flexible work arrangements
-Recognizing and rewarding employee contributions
-Providing training and development opportunities
-Improving office infrastructure and technology.
-Encouraging open communication and collaboration
-Implementing flexible work arrangements
-Recognizing and rewarding employee contributions
-Providing training and development opportunities
-Improving office infrastructure and technology.
Lisanne Kedde
Bid manager at Dell EMC
5
Answers
Eu, Normandy, France
Updated
Lisanne’s Answer
Nice question.
I wouldn't change that much. I really like the department where I am working. We have lots of flexibility, for instance: it doesn't matter how or where you do your job, most important is that you do you job when people expect you to do something.
But since I am a manager for only one day, I will treat on cake or so :)
I wouldn't change that much. I really like the department where I am working. We have lots of flexibility, for instance: it doesn't matter how or where you do your job, most important is that you do you job when people expect you to do something.
But since I am a manager for only one day, I will treat on cake or so :)
Cake is always good! :)
Thanks for your answer!
Angelina
Carole Curtis
Career Couselor/ Certified Career Coachself employed
137
Answers
Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Updated
Carole’s Answer
I have experienced this in one of my jobs as manager. I was asked to move into a different department because of my background in Career Counseling. It was quite a different experience, but I was able to contribute some of my ideas to make it a little better working environment. These are some of the things that I did :
1. I had interviews with the people that were under my management and got to know what skills they had and what experience and interests they have within this company. I interviewed them individually and got a wealth of information from each person and used many ideas to help the center run more smoothly. Some of the employees got to actually work at what they really liked to do.
2. The second idea that I had was to put readable signs in places that they could be seen by the visitors that entered the Career Center.
3. I made an introduction paper that each visitor got when they entered the center knew about all the options that we offer and who they should see or make an appointment with.
4. The one thing that was hard for me to do was to let someone go because they were not doing what they were supposed to be doing. In this instance it was the fact that this employee was always late for work and the excuses were wide spread. This person had trouble with being on time and was written up several times for this. This employee was soon gone from the company.
5. When the receptionist was gone to lunch or otherwise, we had our staff take turns to help with the front desk because someone had to answer questions. So we all had a workshop to teach everyone in the company how to run the front desk when the receptionist is away from the desk.
Some of what I changed was actual work related and other ideas that I had were to use the personalities that were present at work and try and put each person in a situation that they could use their interests and feel like they are contributing to the flow of the office and the betterment of the people that they are talking to.
I hope this gives you some answer for you to think when managing people in the workplace. Sometimes you can find information about management within a class situation, or a business management book, or using some experiences that you have had and that were favorable to you. Managing people is not an easy job, so the more you know about the people you are managing the better able you are to help them and the company run well.
1. I had interviews with the people that were under my management and got to know what skills they had and what experience and interests they have within this company. I interviewed them individually and got a wealth of information from each person and used many ideas to help the center run more smoothly. Some of the employees got to actually work at what they really liked to do.
2. The second idea that I had was to put readable signs in places that they could be seen by the visitors that entered the Career Center.
3. I made an introduction paper that each visitor got when they entered the center knew about all the options that we offer and who they should see or make an appointment with.
4. The one thing that was hard for me to do was to let someone go because they were not doing what they were supposed to be doing. In this instance it was the fact that this employee was always late for work and the excuses were wide spread. This person had trouble with being on time and was written up several times for this. This employee was soon gone from the company.
5. When the receptionist was gone to lunch or otherwise, we had our staff take turns to help with the front desk because someone had to answer questions. So we all had a workshop to teach everyone in the company how to run the front desk when the receptionist is away from the desk.
Some of what I changed was actual work related and other ideas that I had were to use the personalities that were present at work and try and put each person in a situation that they could use their interests and feel like they are contributing to the flow of the office and the betterment of the people that they are talking to.
I hope this gives you some answer for you to think when managing people in the workplace. Sometimes you can find information about management within a class situation, or a business management book, or using some experiences that you have had and that were favorable to you. Managing people is not an easy job, so the more you know about the people you are managing the better able you are to help them and the company run well.
Thank you so much for your answer! It seems you really improved your workplace.
Thanks again!
Angelina
Kristin McLeod
Digital Product Manager
2
Answers
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Kristin’s Answer
This is no longer the case for me, however in one of my older roles, there was a lack of recognition and knowledge of my job by the person I reported to. Other leaders provided recognition to my team but it was often discouraging that the person we reported to didn't see it.
That being said I would change the ways staff are recognized, so that my staff feel value and know that I value the hard work that they do every day. I would also take the time to ensure I know what they are working on and offer any assistance if needed, but leave them to it if they don't need assistance. I would also ensure that there are regular touch points with my staff so they feel like they can be open with me about how they are feeling and they also now where I stand. Being as transparent as you can with your staff helps to built trust within your team.
That being said I would change the ways staff are recognized, so that my staff feel value and know that I value the hard work that they do every day. I would also take the time to ensure I know what they are working on and offer any assistance if needed, but leave them to it if they don't need assistance. I would also ensure that there are regular touch points with my staff so they feel like they can be open with me about how they are feeling and they also now where I stand. Being as transparent as you can with your staff helps to built trust within your team.
Bill Leonard
Technical Consultant/Exec Deal Lead
8
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Bill’s Answer
For me, it would be about doing something for the people I'm managing. Whether personally or professionally I would use that day to talk with them learn about what they think is good/bad about their current job & see if there's anything in their personal life that they believe is impacting their job (for the better or for worse). Essentially show them you care & see what I could do from a management position to better understand what's going on in their lives to help them better perform their job which would ultimately help the collective group run better.
Hortense L
Marketing
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Hortense’s Answer
Empowering a team is critical to success of a business and feeling a sense of belonging. As a manager, I would establish a series of team building sessions to fuel positive energy and open dialogue.
Jen Black
Senior Manager
3
Answers
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jen’s Answer
Hello;
I am currently in a leadership position and have served in a supervisory capacity for 20 years in a very dynamic industry. With having only one day in the scenerio, I would focus on getting to know my employees through asking thought-provoking questions about who they are, what functions that they support, how they meet the needs of their customers and where they see their own career progessing. Investing in your employees is one of the most important things you can do and will have the largest impact to your teams overall success. Building these relationships establishes trust - and when it's time to delivery on an objective, they will be there to achieve! Lastly, I would reach out to a few of their customers to get performance feedback regarding areas that they are doing well in - and finish with a personal THANK YOU to each employee.
I am currently in a leadership position and have served in a supervisory capacity for 20 years in a very dynamic industry. With having only one day in the scenerio, I would focus on getting to know my employees through asking thought-provoking questions about who they are, what functions that they support, how they meet the needs of their customers and where they see their own career progessing. Investing in your employees is one of the most important things you can do and will have the largest impact to your teams overall success. Building these relationships establishes trust - and when it's time to delivery on an objective, they will be there to achieve! Lastly, I would reach out to a few of their customers to get performance feedback regarding areas that they are doing well in - and finish with a personal THANK YOU to each employee.
Sammy Yang
Executive Vice President at DFW Asian-American Citizens Council
19
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Sammy’s Answer
The main thing is to change myself before changing others. I will make sure that everyday I go to work with a very humble and positive attitude, being a good listener, and open minded. Always encouraging others instead of criticizing. That way, it will position myself as one of the best team players, and loved by others.
Donna Curran
Customer Care Manager New Customer Experience Team at AT&T
27
Answers
Missoula, Montana
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Get to know my people for who they are. I would take some time and get out on the floor and mingle with the people who work for me. Shake hands, bump elbows or high five. Ask how they are doing, listen to understand. Later in the day do something kind that they will leave the office with at end of day. Whether it's buying a coffee, cookies or offering an extra break. Or maybe lollipops for the kids they mentioned they had or a bone for their dog. Just to show I was listening. Small gestures of kindness move mountains.