Be Objective About Your Managerial Ability

This article will take you on a journey into what, for most executives, is a foreign land. It will not be an easy journey, because one of the hardest things a man can do is to look at himself objectively and realistically, without self-glorification, deception, or despair.

As Dr. Arnold J. Toynbee, the philosophic historian, once said, "No human beings have got very far in the exploration of the spiritual universe. The new worlds with whose life it is now most urgent for us to make contact are the spiritual worlds within ourselves."

A self-analysis can pay rich dividends in at least three ways:

1. Increased managerial effectiveness and impact on others.
2. Better personal relationships.
3. Greater personal fulfillment.

"Only as you know yourself," says Bernard M. Baruch, "can your brain serve you as a sharp and efficient tool. Know your own failings, passions, and prejudices so you can separate them from what you see." (This is a serious problem for most people. They daydream of spectacular achievements far into the future, making the day-to-day improvements seem of little importance. But without the small, continuous, day-to-day improvements, the spectacular achievements of the future will never be reached.)

The human being has come a long way in the direction of self-understanding, though he still has much to learn. By comparison with his primitive ancestors, he knows a great deal; stone-age tribesmen in Australia still cannot associate their headaches with their own heads. Even in that physical sense, they are strangers to themselves.

The modern manager is not only aware of his headaches, he has advanced to a familiar knowledge of his ulcers, pulse, and blood pressure!

But you need to know yourself other than in the language of your ills and aches. All too often, self-study takes place only in times of crisis, when you get a distorted picture of your strengths and deficiencies. For a balanced picture, you have to look at yourself in relatively normal situations and stable circumstances.

The task is not easy. The psychoanalyst Dr. Ada Hirsh, in writing on the possibilities of self-analysis, pointed out the need for the following prerequisites:

1. A substantial degree of psychological health.
2. A desire to come closer to the truth about ourselves.
3. A belief in the ability to change.
4. An ability to think logically with an open mind and courage.

Here are some essential tips and advice on how to be objective about your managerial ability from an HRM perspective.

1. Conduct Regular Self-Assessments

Self-assessment is a powerful tool for understanding your strengths and areas for improvement. Utilize tools like 360-degree feedback, where you receive input from colleagues, subordinates, and supervisors. This holistic approach provides a comprehensive view of your performance.

2. Seek Constructive Feedback

Encourage a culture of open communication and regularly seek feedback from your team. Understand that feedback is a tool for growth, not criticism. Use it to enhance your managerial skills and address any blind spots.

3. Reflect on Your Leadership Style

Take time to reflect on your leadership style and its impact on your team. Are you more directive or participative? Understanding your approach helps in adapting your style to meet the diverse needs of your team members.

4. Set Realistic Goals and Expectations

Be realistic about what you can achieve as a manager. Set achievable goals for yourself and your team. Unrealistic expectations can lead to stress and disappointment. Regularly review and adjust these goals based on progress and feedback.

5. Embrace Continuous Learning

The business environment is constantly evolving, and so should your managerial skills. Engage in continuous learning through courses, workshops, and reading. Stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in management and HRM.

6. Balance Confidence with Humility

Confidence is important for a leader, but it must be balanced with humility. Acknowledge that you don’t have all the answers and be open to learning from others. This balance fosters a collaborative and respectful work environment.

7. Monitor Your Stress Levels

Managing people and responsibilities can be stressful. Regularly monitor your stress levels and adopt healthy coping mechanisms. A stressed manager can inadvertently impact team morale and productivity.

8. Develop Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial for effective leadership. Work on enhancing your EI by being aware of your emotions, managing them effectively, and understanding the emotions of your team members. High EI leads to better decision-making and stronger interpersonal relationships.