Mark Hamade

Every person in management has their own style, but some are more effective than others at getting cooperation from employees and getting the job done. Take a look at these three management styles and figure out which you are. Is it the best one?

1. Pal

Do you act as if you are “one of the guys”? You may have developed this style because you were working in the trenches before being promoted to management. Being a pal can come from having to manage people who were once co-workers and you find it hard to break the old connection. You may also try to be the pal because you want to be well-liked and don’t want to be seen as the mean boss.

The problem with being the pal is that it makes it harder to get the job done and the deadlines met because you’re afraid to ask your people to do anything. You lose your objectivity when dealing with problems that come up, and you also tend to play favorites. Eventually, it may come down to losing your friendships or losing your job because the job is not getting done satisfactorily.

2. Boss

A boss uses his authority to get things done. He or she tells people what to do and then constantly checks on them to make sure that they got it done. A boss orders people around because he can. But people don’t like to be ordered (bossed) around and will feel resentful.

This approach does not allow your people be committed, creative, or satisfied with a job well-done. Ask yourself, would you do a task to the best of your ability if you were forced or threatened? Would you be proud of the work you did while being forced or threatened? You’re missing out on the chance to help motivate and coach your employees to do something they’re proud of.

3. Leader

A leader’s main job is to lead. A leader empowers people and helps them to succeed, not through threats or playing on friendships. A leader coaches, motivates, gives constant recognition for a job well-done, fixes problems, provides resources and tools, often uses the word “we”, and inspires people.

A good leader realizes he doesn’t know everything and gives his employees a voice. A wise leader keeps the lines of communication open both ways by explaining why things should be done a certain way and then asking for feedback on how she, herself, is doing.

Being a good manager may come after lots of experience but certainly not without some trial and error. You can shorten the learning curve by choosing a successful leadership style. Being a boss or friend creates problems, whereas being a leader can help you and your team become successful.