Management is a process. When goals are set for groups of people, management will occur. There are four roles management must perform in order to be successful in both the short and long run.
Produce Results: To provide the results for which the organization exists. This role focuses on what the organization needs to be effective. Requires knowledge of what needs to be done, how to do it and persistence to see that it gets done. Examples: To provide transportation, to do research, to grow crops.
Administer: To establish and maintain systems that produce results. The focus is on how to do things to ensure the organization is efficient. Requires attention to detail, willingness to take corrective action and knowledge of the system or plan. Examples: Coordinate schedules, implement policies, control costs.
Entrepreneur: To proactively adapt the organization to future needs. To induce an organization to change and adapt to new threats and opportunities. The focus is on what we need to do in the future to remain effective. Requires creativity and willingness to take risks. Examples: Perceive trends, have insights into new ways to do things to determine where to go next.
Integrate: To ensure that no one in the organization is indispensable by creating a climate of teamwork and cooperation. To move the organization from a mechanistic to an organic, adaptive, synergetic way of thinking and operating. Requires sensitivity to people, moods, climates and group processes. Examples: Develop new people, build teams, derive consensus, goals and shared vision.
This is an excerpt from the SmallBizU Workshop the Chamber hosted Nov. 12 at the University of Florida Hilton. Dr. Gerry Faust spoke to more than 100 participants on “Surviving and Thriving in Difficult Times.” The Chamber offered six workshops in 2009, with nine planned for 2010, to help our members grow their businesses. For more information on the SmallBizU Workshops, contact Tim Ledvina at 334-7105 ex 323 or tim@gainesvillechamber.com.