Reflective journal on management skills Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Reflective journal on management skills - Article Example A manager ought to be both a leader and a motivator. Before acting, a manager ought to consider the adverse effects her actions will have on both the immediate task at hand and the organization at large. A manager must always remember that the greatest asset in the organization is the people working there. In this instant scenario, the lead counselor dismissed the counselor’s ideas in a contemptuous manner that showed an inadequate possession of ‘people skills’. This is why the event occurred. This event is a good learning experience as it showed me how not to deal with employees when I become a manager. Employees need to feel appreciated. Reflecting on the scenario above, I have come to realize that even though as a manager I will have the final say on whatever action has to be taken, I need to be a good listener. This is especially crucial when I am listening to input that I personally consider as being worth nothing. This will change the way I interact with my staff. I don’t have to reject an idea in a manner that will leave the employee feeling worthless. I can do it in a better way. I have realized that employees being human, I need to respect their emotions. LaMalfa (2007, pg1) observes that â€Å"research shows that emotionally connected employees are the best employees because they are engaged and productive, and they feel validated and appreciated†. I need to make my employees appreciated so that I may be a good team leader. To achieve this I need to be more open and receptive to ideas from others especially those I consider my subordinates. This is because I am not perfect and the best ideas sometimes come from ‘subordinates’. Developing a teamwork attitude is perhaps the best way to achieve this transformation as I will then be seeing myself as being part of such ideas and won’t feel intimidated when a subordinate proposes changes to my ideas or even better ideas than mine. LaMalfa, K., 2007, The