4 Questions About Management I Asked My Manager

If I was to put a number on it I would say that I spend no less than an hour each week reading some study, article, or op-ed about “leadership”, “management”, and/or “being a boss”. The articles always hook me in with alluring but vague words like “engagement”, "retention", and “effective”.  I think that everybody whether or not they are in a management role wants to get insight and leverage when it comes to leadership. I think people in management roles if they are worth their salt want to be the best managers and leaders they can be but management is not a one size fits all equation. It is without a doubt a multi-faceted topic and sometimes it can be difficult to find a relatable view point. So I decided to utilize the resource that is my manager, Patty North, General Manager of Celebrity Staff.

Patty has been with Celebrity Staff for over twenty years and has stayed a course that has led to several promotions and a multitude of awards. Patty oversees Celebrity in our Omaha, Kansas City, Lincoln, and Des Moines offices with her hand in pretty much every facet of our day-to- day operation. She puts people at the center of that we do as an organization and frequently refocuses her team to help people meet or exceed their goals. She was able to provide some quick insight into some of the best advice on management she has ever received, what keeps her inspired, and more!

What do you recommend as advice to people who have their sights set on the management track?

"Ask yourself why you want management and start there. The management track is often presented to those who demonstrate above average job execution, you were good at your job so you should be a manager, right? That doesn't mean that person can teach others. There are others who feel they should climb the ladder because they have been at their employer a long time. Ask yourself why. If the answer is you want to make more money, it is the wrong answer. Managing is making sure the business process is being fulfilled for their customers. That involves teaching and follow up of others to make sure they execute. Management means you are accountable for the end result of others.   Do you like teaching, coaching and helping others achieve? If yes, then management may be for you!"

Who or what keeps you inspired as a leader?

" I love reading the newspaper and business articles on process improvement. I read 3-4 business books a year and enjoy discussing with our leadership team on how we can apply concepts to make things better."

What is your favorite aspect of management?

" I love celebrating when someone on our team has success. Their success is what it is all about. I love teaching this business to others and watching them apply and grow. Plus, I love what we do!"

The best advice you've been given about management?

"This is a tough one, I can think of several stand out moments. One that comes to mind is to listen carefully when staff comes to you with a problem. I first heard about this in the aspect of "who has the monkey?"  You can probably google this concept. It was mind blowing on how I could control what I handled! Is the employee venting, or do they want your help? If they want your help, the conclusion of the meeting is what they will do next, not what I will do for them. If I take over, I took their monkey. If I help others learn how to help themselves, they get better at keeping the monkeys off their own back. Sounds silly, but it's powerful to learn how to help people help themselves. "

Thank you Patty for sharing your expertise!

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