During a time in life, when most people think of slowing down, I have actually taken on a more demanding job. I have to admit that I love the job, but it is still very physically demanding. Mentally I could do most of it in my sleep, as I have managed several type of businesses and it seems to be what I can do very well, but the physical demands I am getting use to again. I have been out of the movie business on a full time basises for over 2 years and now that I am back into movie managing full time, my body is having to reacquaint itself with that part of the job. Walking for up to 8 hours at a time with very few chances to sit down, cleaning theatres, getting stock, helping customers, watching employees to make sure they are on top of things and keep them motivated to do their best, all falls into a day at work for me.
My belief in management is to lead by example, am I perfect at it no, but I try. If you, as a manager are not helping when help is needed, then how can you expect your employees to step up and try to do their best? How can you expect them to respect you and your authority over them. Yes I understand that the authority part is suppose to be a given, but which is better- to basically tell them, "Do as I say, not as I do- because I said to do it." Or "Do as I say because I do it too." You may think that I am looking for their approval or friendship and that is why I get my hands dirty and help the employees do their job, plus I do mine, but that is not it. When I do my job to the best of my ability and help them to get their job done when they need help, or I make sure that what they need to do their job is ready for them, then it makes my job easier in so many ways.
Another belief I have as a manager is that we should be like coaches, team builders! If my team of employees care about their job and each other and the management staff, then guess what..... there are better results when we are checked by corporate! How do you do this "team building" you may ask, well there are several task that you as a manager must perform. First is you have to look at yourself. The Bible, which should be the guide to live by says in Matthew 7:3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"(NIV translation). In short look at yourself first, what needs to change there first? Do you need to first step up and do your job as a manager better? The second thing I believe is vital is praise to the staff. How can you praise them? Look for things they do the way it is correct to do and thank them. Thank them at the end of the shift, of if they have done something that is especially hard or not very pleasant to do. Pats on the back are always welcome if if you think they really are not that kind of person. Humans in a lot of ways are the same and we all need those stokes, the praises, the affirmation that what we are doing is right and good. While you are looking for ways to praise and thank employees and other managers, you and also start to treat them with RESPECT! The old adage of you get more flies with honey that vinegar is very true. How much further would you get with someone if you ask rather than demanded. Manager that thrust their authority on others, usually are afraid of loosing it. They may have the authority in name, but it will always be an uphill fight for them to get things done. Their will always be conflict. Often this type of manager lives by the saying, "Do as I say, not as I do." because they are too lazy to really do the work.
Lastly, to build a team from your employees, contest are always fun. There are so many ways to reward them. It usually does not take a big expensive thing, but one that is a gift, not $$ off something if you buy something. There is always team within the employees that can compete for the title of the best at ...... well whatever you need to work on improving. The contest and team competition can be used to train or re-train so that employees improve in the areas you need and they have some fun doing it. By the time the contest or competition is over, they have performed the task often enough that it is now habit and you can move on to the next item that needs improvement.
You know I have been not yet addressed the title of this post and that is FRUSTRATION!
As a manager, the most frustrating thing that comes up is working hard while other managers, don't pull their load and you end up doing both your work and theirs. Plus, in all honesty, except for maybe 3 managers and a 3 - 4 employees, I am old enough to be everyone there's mother and I can run circles around them, at least when I am concessions manager or floor manager.
Where is the work ethic? Why are they so lazy, even other managers will be sitting doing nothing while a few of us pull the load. You just want to scream when you are sweating and you walk into a back area to get something and you find another manager, on a cell phone, or when you need help, they have disappeared. There is so much more, but if I go into much detail, it may be apparent that my frustrations is aimed at one person and that would not be professional!
So in short, look at yourself for faults before you point the finger, treat others with respect- whether they are above or below you in the pecking order, give people praise (look for things) and lastly stick with the adage, "Do as I Do and I will not ask you to anything I would not be willing to do myself or help do."
Managing is very similar to being a parent. In both positions you train, praise, support, learn to trust and respect, then start the process all over again, sometimes on the same point, remembering that Proverbs says that patience is a virtue. Then often wondering why is virtue good, do I really want it? But in the long run, your answer is yes to both questions.
Good luck if you are an aspiring manager.
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