Manager Jobs

Have you ever worked for a bad boss? How about a great boss? Almost everyone has experienced the effects of both positive and negative corporate leadership. And it is always tempting to think about how things would be different if you were in charge.

Now, as you consider your next career move into manager jobs, think about what kind of manager you want to be. What made the good bosses good, and what made the bad bosses bad? Generally, most people dislike the drill-sergeant type of boss: "get this done NOW...or ELSE!" Nobody likes being ordered around but, somehow, many people forget this when they find themselves in the boss's shoes.

Manager jobs require more than just telling people where to go and what to do. Good managers inspire others to do their very best - they build up employees' strengths while eliminating or minimizing their weaknesses. They have a contagious enthusiasm for the work, and they believe in the company vision. They are not complainers - if something doesn't work well, they will look for a solution.

Good managers don't waste time being negative or bossy. They see themselves as part of the team, and often roll up their own sleeves and work alongside everyone else.

In the introduction to his book Developing the Leader within You, author John C. Maxwell asserts that there's a big difference between leadership and management, and most people who hold manager jobs will have a more satisfying and successful career when they see themselves as leaders.

"Management is the process of assuring that the program and objectives of the organization are implemented," Maxwell writes. "Leadership, on the other hand, has to do with casting vision and motivating people."

Wherever you are in your job search, decide now to be the type of leader-manager who inspires others - your career will prosper and your employees will thank you for it!