What’s in Your Management Bag?
Lost luggage by David Zinger
As I write this, I am sitting in the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan airport waiting to catch a flight to Winnipeg, Manitoba. I am heading home. When I left home 3 days ago I forgot to pack two items that I needed for the trip (shoes can always come in handy).
This made me think about what we need to pack in our “management bag” as we journey into management. Here are 12 items I would place in my management bag and I look forward to what you would add to the bag so that I don’t get to my destination and realize I am lacking sole power:
- A sense of humor as mirth makes for good management.
- A sense of humanity to realize we manage people and that management is a very human endeavor.
- A strong dose of integrity, honesty, and authenticity.
- A belief in ourselves, others, and the organization.
- A passion for results and accomplishment.
- A love of strong interpersonal communication.
- A good set of ears and a fine connection with others.
- A solid understanding of our organization and the organization’s mission and goals.
- A real sense of service, being in this for others, and the desire for a positive legacy.
- A comfort and even a fondness for change.
- A calm and unflappable approach to others.
- A toothbrush to demonstrate that we are concrete, practical, and not afraid to smile.
By the way, as you journey into and through management, I wish you a safe trip. What would you add to our management bag?
Photo Credit: Baggage Dept by http://www.flickr.com/photos/noelzialee/286944356/
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POSTED IN: business ideas, leadership, management, principles, results
8 opinions for What’s in Your Management Bag?
GreatManagement
May 6, 2008 at 4:58 am
Love number 12!
I would add:
A picture of your dreams inside and outside of work life.
Some iron weights so you can pump your shoulders up real big, take all the blame and protect your staff
A mirror so you can look at yourself and see where you need to improve
A tape measure to remind you, you must measure your success
Andrew
David Zinger
May 6, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Andrew:
Iron weights, you have made for a heavy bag…so much for enLIGHTened leadership. Thanks for you items.
David
GreatManagement
May 6, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Oh yeah - good point. Well make sure you stay in a hotel with a gym and use it!
Andrew
Rock
May 7, 2008 at 4:53 pm
That is a great list. I may be somewhat redundant in my contributions, but I would pack a good dose of humility and bigger dose of courage. I really like your number 9 and the idea of having a real sense of service. great topic!
tammy
May 7, 2008 at 6:01 pm
loved your list saved it to favorites, thanks for such great information I am a new manager and am trying to be an effective one. tammy
David Zinger
May 8, 2008 at 4:11 am
Thanks Tammy,
I hope you have a great trip though management.
David
David Zinger
May 8, 2008 at 4:12 am
Rock,
I just about missed your comment. I like the weaving together of humility and courage.
David
@Stephen Productivity in Context
May 12, 2008 at 4:09 am
I would suggest packing a sense of urgency as well.
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