Why Would You Want To Be A Manager?

In an bemusing manner this is a question I am sure every existing manager has asked, usually following some particularly frustrating experience.

As far as I am concerned there is only one reason why anyone would want to become involved in management. That is because they actually enjoy working with people, they actually want to help other people to develop and to perform to the fullest potential. Now, I don't actually believe that is why the majority of do become involved in management. My experience is that the majority of manager get there by default; they become managers because they were the last person standing, they were the best performer, they wish to massage their ego, they like giving orders or wearing a cap that says 'The Boss'. Very few actually sit down and make a concious career decision to become a manager because they want to help others people achieve their full potential.

Imagine the difference it would make it that were the reason. To begin with your entire perspective about management would change. Instead of seeing management as a potential conflict situation, a negative, a them versus us situation, you would view management as a positive, a great place to be, as you would be going there to help others. It would cease to be a job and would become a calling. Your passion for helping others would drive you out of bed each day. Imagine being able to view each issue or problem as an opportunity to develop and improve rather than a potential source of conflict. For a start every consultant advising on conflict resolution would be out of work and you would never have to attend another workshop on conflict management!

Imagine the difference there would be in our conversations. No more snide comments about generational gaps, glass ceilings, male versus female, Islam versus Christianity, conservatives versus democrats etc etc. None of these would be our focus, our focus would be on developing the potential of the people around you so that they are able to do the things you need done.

Try this tomorrow when you return to work. Over the next few days go to each person you are responsible for and ask them two questions. The first question is, I would like to hear about your work, can you please tell me how you are doing with your work, program, project? Second question, is there something I can do to help you achieve the desired outcome?

Let The Journey Continue
John Coxon


John Coxon & Associates
Taking You from Frontline Manager to CEO
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