The First-Time Manager (First-Time Manager Series)

by Jim McCormick

identify your manager’s style. If you can, you will be more successful working with your manager. The Monopolizers. These managers like to be in charge of everything and are fast decisionmakers who stick to their decisions, are very organized, and are bottom line oriented. They are “my way or the highway” types. If they were doing target practice, their saying would be “ready, fire, aim” (as opposed to the usual saying of “ready, aim, fire”). If you work for monopolizers, make sure you are clear and direct with your communication, have all your facts ready, and are prepared to do what they say. Sometimes monopolizers project an image of being inclusive and empowering managers who want to incorporate all the team members’ opinions into their decisions. With managers who project this style, watch the outcome more than the process—they may indeed be committed monopolizers once you get past the participative outer layer. The Methodicals. These managers are analytic types who like to take their time gathering information and data before making a decision. They are very steady and predictable and overly concerned with accuracy. If they were doing target practice, their saying would be “aim, aim, aim.” They hate to make decisions and are always looking for more or different information. If you work for methodicals, be patient! Realize that they are trying to make the best decision based on all data. When you give your opinion or your suggestion, make sure that you have analyzed i...