I am sure we all agree that there is more to leadership and management than most technicians can handle, unless they have been adequately trained on and off the job. One cannot assume that a good technician e.g. accountant, engineer, etc. will fulfill his or her responsibilities as a leader/manager.
It is rather unfortunate that most managers in the corporate world possess technical ability without adequate managerial expertise.
Consider, for example, the case of an accountant who happens to be appointed as accounting manager based on his or her accounting skills, largely because the person responsible for the appointment did not realize that there was a dual function to perform: that of an accounting technician and that of a manager!
Managers by occupation (rather than by profession) are hazardous to corporate welfare because they usually undermine the importance of teamwork, concern, motivation, preparation and development, feedback, communication, interpersonal skills, tact, and other factors. These individuals cost the business organization far more than the salaries they are paid, yet they continue to be employed and promoted without even being tested for adequate managerial skills?this confirms the application of “The Peter Principle.” Would any sane individual accept a ride in a Mercedes-Benz, which is driven by someone who does not possess adequate driving skills, let alone a valid driver’s license? Why then does the farcical trend of appointing “managers” continue, despite the foregoing?
The proper balance must be struck between technical and managerial skills otherwise a situation may arise that is similar to the collapse of Barings Bank. Nick Leeson’s managers, both in Singapore and in England, did not seem to have a basic understanding of risks in future trading or about the basic principles underlying segregation of duties.
Prior to their appointment as managers, employees should be required to enroll in a sound management-training program. This will help contribute towards an environment, which fosters brotherhood through effective leadership, ethics, teamwork, and motivation. In this context, the Japanese approach to management should be reviewed.
If anybody is interested in obtaining free abridged versions of my books on leadership, ethics, teamwork, motivation, women in the workforce, bullying and sexual harassment, trade unions, business continuity planning, business law, etc., please send an e-mail to crespin79@primus.ca and I shall oblige within 72 hours, no strings attached. Maxwell Pinto, Business Authorhttp://www.strategicbookpublishing.com/Management-TidbitsForTheNewMillenium.html
I am a Business Consultant and author, with a PhD in Business Administration from Pacific Southern University, California, USA. I am also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (England and Wales) and a life member of the Institute of Professional Managers & Administrators (UK). I have a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Leeds, England.My international experience includes management consulting, corporate analysis, management information systems, training and development, valuation and sale of business, raising venture capital, administration and finance.I conduct seminars in several areas of business and law for graduates, experienced businessmen and professionals.
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