Friday, November 29, 2019
The Noble Job of a Manager in 2009
The Noble Job of a Manager in 2009The Noble Job of a Manager in 2009If anyone can pull us out of the recession, it is geschftlicher umgang managers.The person most likely to improve the U.S. economy is not a president, senator, representative or economist.When it comes to reviving our economy and generating long-term, sustainable success, the most important person is a geschftliches miteinander manager.Business managers come with different titles in different industries and at different pay scales. Their labels include CEO, vice president, director, chief global absatzwirtschaft officer, chief technology officer, front-line manager, department head, purchasing manager, controller, and on and on. All of these people are managers. And all of them play the critical role in improving our economy.Few of the tens of thousands of business managers across the U.S. will ever become known outside their organizations and families. Nevertheless, it is both a necessary and noble job.It is necessa ry because without it we cant get our economy going again. It is noble because managers are the ones who can convert individual inputs into organizational value customers will purchase.I believe that so deeply, Ive made it my lifes work to help managers deliver great performances.So what are the keys to moving the economy forward? A managers resources include her employees, facilities, equipment, time and money. Time is the one fixed resource all managers have, and money is tight. Thus, the worse the economy gets, the more important the role of the manager becomes.Skilled conversion of resources into greater value ultimately moves an economy forward. Heres a starter list of tactics to deliver a truly great management performance.1. Strengthen your foundation. Get yourself right first. Whatever that means for you, I encourage you to do it. The vast majority of management blunders Ive witnessed can be traced back to the manager being overly tired, stressed out, out of shape, feeling g uilty or some other personal breakdown.Examine your own physical, mental, social, emotional, moral and financial situation. If youre a spiritual person, then throw that in as well.Is your foundation where you want it to be? If not, what practical things could you start with to improve your foundation? By making some progress and doing it over and over again, you will get yourself far closer to where you want your foundation to be. Ive always been impressed by the ripple effect a manager has on other people when he or she strengthens the foundation of his or her life.2. Know why you do what you do. Remember that passion comes from purpose, not the other way around. Why do you do what you do? What is your purpose beyond the paycheck? Since you are unlikely to be paid a kings ransom or to become famous as a manager, you need a purpose for your work that can sustain you through good and bad economic times.Once youre clear about your purpose for doing the work you do, then work with othe rs to clarify the purpose of the organization or work group that you manage. Recently, I interviewed Roy Spence and Haley Rushing, authors of Its Not What You Sell, Its What You Stand For, the best book Ive ever read on the importance of establishing an organizational purpose that resonates with both employees and customers. ( Click here to read my interview with Roy and Haley.)3. Take the hardest step in business. The hardest step in business is to step back and think. Really think through the desired outcomes, the various paths to make those outcomes a reality and the planned activities necessary to stick to the path youve chosen. It is actually much easier to press forward with action than to step back and think through the ramifications.Here is a real-life story of two senior-level executives in a major corporation that Ill call Hare and Tortoise. Hare was a driver-driver. If he had an idea, he would push it into action throughout the organization immediately. Tortoises approach was to pose a desired outcome in the form of a question, gather input, consider the alternatives and then guide the group to deliver on a clear action plan using a collaborative approach.Hare was a rising star. He became famous throughout the organization for getting stuff done. Then one day, employees and customers started leaving the organization. Within a few years, the numbers were so dramatically down that Hare was let go.Tortoise took over a few extremely poor-performing business units. Instead of rushing to make decisions, he scheduled time to think. He brought together a group of about 15 people to discuss where the business was at, where they wanted it to go, and how they could get there. Using a collaborative approach, the group steadily made improvements. After five consecutive years of great business performances, Tortoise was promoted to another underperforming business unit. Same pattern thinking time, group time with a collaborative approach, five years of great resu lts and another promotion.If you want to be a truly great manager, take the hardest step in business. Step back and think.4. Manage talent, dont abandon it. Business talent is the ability to help create value customers will pay for and that will help the organization achieve its goals. In the midst of of the past years personnel cuts, be koranvers youre not saving short-term results only to ruin the long-term success of your business. Ultimately, you have to have talent in order to create more value for your customers.Youre not going to make it all by yourself. Be sure to keep as much of the real business talent in your organization as you possibly can. That is the ultimate resource you will be converting into value for customers.5. Steward dont steal. Over the past 11 years, Ive written at least one 1,500 word article each month as well as three 70,000-word books. So Im up to something like 400,000 words on management effectiveness. But if I had to narrow my advice on how to be a g reat manager down to three words, they would be steward, dont steal.In the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, stewardship means the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to ones care. In a nutshell, thats the job of a business manager. Think of your main job as stewarding resources in ways that will enrich them and create more value for customers. The greatest managers Ive ever witnessed embraced this concept of stewardship, applied it skillfully and always worked to improve at it. A magnificent new book on the idea of being a great steward is Enough True Measures of Money, Business, and Life, by John Bogle. I encourage you to buy this book and really study it carefully. It is a beautiful explanation of old-time values delivered by a person who has truly lived them.6. Get better. I havent met every manager on the planet, but of the ones Ive never seen a perfect manager on Day One. The very best managers Ive ever seen simply started on the road as a manager, then worked to improve each day. Heres an interesting quote from a new book called, Genius 101 Creators, Leaders, and Prodigies by Keith Simonton Geniuses are those who have the intelligence, enthusiasm and endurance to acquire the needed expertise in a broadly valued domain of achievement and who then make contributions to that field that are considered by peers to be both original and highly exemplary.Im not a big fan of the word genius, but I do think that definition applies to great managers. They always had the ability to become great managers, they had the passion to stay the course long enough to hone their craft as managers, and they applied their skills in ways that made an exemplary difference for their customers and organizations.Remember this You perform the critically important role in making our economy strong and successful both over the short term and the long term. So take the time to strengthen the six management basics above, for your good and the good of our economy.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
What to Write in a Bosss Day Card - The Muse
What to Write in a anfhrers Day Card - The MuseWhat to Write in a Bosss Day Card Youre eager to impress your boss every single day. But, when Bosss Day rolls around, the pressures really on.If youre unfamiliar, Bosss Day is exactly what it sounds like A chance to recognize your manager for all of the hard work they put into your team and your company. It comes around each year on October 16 (or the nearest working day if October 16 falls on a weekend). Do you absolutely have to do something to commemorate Bosss Day? Of course not. However, its a nice way to show your supervisor that theyre appreciated- plus, youll boost your own reputation and your relationship with your superior. Heres the even better news Celebrating Bosss Day doesnt require a grand gesture. Even something as simple as a card will do the trick. Sounds easy enough, right? But, if youre anything like me, youll stare at that blank card for five minutes before finally jotting down a quick and impersonal, Thanks for eve rything Sure, that works in a pinch. However, when youre really eager to let your manager know just how much you appreciate them (or, you know, youre trying to score some brownie points), its worth putting a little more thought into your message. Next question What the heck should you say? Dont stress I have five different templates that you can copy and personalize for your own Bosss Day card. And, dont worry, your boss never has to know that you had a little help (unless theyre also searching for guidance on cards for their own bosses). What to Write in a Bosss Day Card A Few TipsBefore diving into the templates, lets cover a couple of simple tips to help you craft the perfect Bosss Day message.First things first Dont forget to actually say thank you. From offering tough feedback to delivering bad news, being a boss is a challenging and often thankless job. This is a day made for them to be applauded for their efforts- so dont forget those two crucial words.Secondly, its important to know your audience. Is your boss a jokester who shares a close bond with your team? They might love a funny musiknote more than anything. But, if your manager tends to be more formal? Keep it buttoned up and skip the humor.What to Write in a Bosss Day Card A Few TemplatesThese templates are just that- templates. Theyre made to be customized, so try to work in a few personalized examples, details, or inside jokes Those touches will make your Bosss Day card all the more impressive and memorable. 1. For the Boss You Love2. For the Boss You (Secretly) Cant Stand3. For the Boss Who Just Started4. For the Boss Who Loves a Good Joke5. For the Former Boss Youre Still in Touch WithDear Bosss Name,Happy Bosss DayI realize that not everybody is fortunate enough to have a boss whos so positive characteristic that describes your boss. Thats why today (and every day), I feel so grateful to have someone like you in my corner.Thanks for all you do to help me and our whole team grow and succeed. Enjoy your day. You deserve itYour NameDear Bosss Name,Wishing you a Bosss Day spent reflecting on and celebrating all of the amazing things you do for our team. Thanks for everythingHappy Bosss DayYour NameDear Bosss Name,Wishing a very happy Bosss Day to youIm really looking forward to working with you and seeing all of the amazing ways youll lead and inspire our team.Enjoy the dayYour NameHey Bosss Name,Happy Bosss Day, bossWishing you a day spent avoiding useless meetings, getting away with sneaking an extra piece of cake (or two) out of the break room, and another activity your boss would find funny.Looking forward to reminding you of this heartfelt note when my performance review rolls around. Just kidding (sort of).Seriously, thanks for all you do and enjoy your day. Nobody deserves it more than youYour Name Hey Former Bosss Name,Sending you wishes for a very happy Bosss DayWhile I know youre not my supervisor anymore, I figured there welches no better day to send along a not e to thank you for the support and guidance you offered during our time together at Company Name. Learning from you was a valuable experience that Ill always treasure.Lets catch up over coffee soon- my treatYour NameKnowing what to write in a Bosss Day card can be tough, but these templates might take some pain out of the process.Pick one that fits your relationship with your manager, add in some personal details, and then prepare to knock this Bosss Day out of the park.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
The Best Business Analyst Resume Shows Courage
The Best Business Analyst Resume Shows CourageThe Best Business Analyst Resume Shows CourageThere are many strings to a successful Business Analysts bow, even if hiring managers arent always aware of it. While the fruchtwein successful organizations are open to new ways to enhance efficiency, they may not know exactly how the process could work until you show them. For this reason, you want your resume to highlight critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as your courage to turn simple geschftliches miteinander goals into strategic statements that bring everyone on board. Since communication glitches are common as geschftlicher umganges adapt and refine their vision, the Business Analyst as change agent is quite the buzz right now, meaning businesses need someone adept at inspiring enthusiasm and drive throughout the entire organization to implement solutions. Business Analysts tell stories, so should their resumesConsultant Steven Blais, in his highly regarded book Busin ess Analysis Best Practices for Success, advises hirers to assess their best applicants on the basis of their ability to describe an event in which they participated or witnessed. When the candidate tells you a story and engages your interest, you have a potential business analyst.This is why your resume should show not only what you accomplished, but how you got there and made it work. Your dedication to process, rather than simply boasting of accomplishments, will communicate to employers that you possess patience as you get the details right. A good way to start is thinking of ways you challenged and changed yourself with passion and personal stories and make maximum use of your own experience when tailoring your resume to employers you most want to work for. What inspired you can inspire others, so tell those storiesOne successful business analyst resume exampleOriol Garcia Lorenzos story, which focuses on adventure and entrepreneurship combined with success in the corporate sphere, landed him a coveted lokalitt as a business analyst consultant for a 2020 Tokyo Olympics project. It shows an adventurous spirit which has never refused an opportunity to grow. His resume reflects this both in his path from Purchaser and Entrepreneur to Financial Manager before landing his Business Analyst position, and in his hobbies where he explains how sailing across the Atlantic developed his concentration and long-term resistance. A combination of diverse experiences shows a prospective employer that you can handle a Business Analyst position from all angles. (Links not working at present)1. Starting at the Top Objective or Summary? Unless you are a recent grad with little experience, use a concrete summary instead of an objective. Agood summary not only provides concise details on previous achievements relevant to the position youre applying for, but indicates the road you traveled to seek this particular position. It may contain personal touches reflecting your prof essional development, but should also make clear why you are interested in this particular position and precisely what you can bring to the table. Put yourself in the readers shoes. A common error is to concentrate on what you want and not on the needs of the company, or to boast without providing sufficient examples.2. Work History Be SelectiveThink of your work history as a sales pitch to a specific client. What positions have you held that are directly relevant to the company you are applying to, and which aspects of these jobs seem crucial to their needs for a Business Analyst? Focus on the highest levels of responsibility you have held that specifically match the job description, and avoid the catalogue approach or you are likely to tire an overloaded hiring manager who can only give every resume a quick glance before deciding which to focus on and which will end up in the trash.What they seek is evidence of business issues you have successfully analysed and solved, and what t he results were. But dont focus on accomplishments without showing the hard road it took to get there you also need to show how you helped the company identify appropriate roles, teams, and strategies all part of the process of absorbing change. Using the right terminology is also essential. Since you dont know whos reading your resume, avoid the specific jargon you might have encountered in textbooks or your previous positions, and look at the companys website for their preferred terms. If in doubt, keep it simple. If you have not specifically held a position as Business Analyst, check for transferable business analysis skills terminology and see what youve done that directly applies. Dont be afraid to tweak previous job titles. For example, an administrative position may easily be changed to Team Manager without fudging if the responsibilities were the same and that should be clear in the way you detail your responsibilities. Make the most of your bullet points. Without overcro wding, you can demonstrate how you applied specific business analysis skills by including concrete processes, numbers and details as well as results. Your personal contributions in any position should shine through here, helping the company envision exactly what you might do for them. 3. Hobbies Show Your CharacterEmployers are increasingly interested in knowing who you are as well as what youve done, so including a short section on hobbies can help demonstrate personal characteristics that your work history alone cannot. Remember that the Business Analyst as change manager, problem solver, and team flow builder will confront many bumps along the road to strategic outcomes, so hobbies that show an aptitude for extreme adventure or endurance sports can quickly catch the eye of a hiring manager looking for courage and resilience. The quickest path to a business analyst resume that gets resultsIf you want a resume which already has the latest design elements along with content analysis to help you spot areas to improve, is the answer. resumes have gotten people hired at top companies like Google, Spotify, Tesla, Intercom, Amazon, and PWC.
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