How to improve your image as a manager?
6 May 2008
Read by 2226 persons
Managing your team while maintaining a good image as a manager is a challenge. Only a few leaders succeed, while others fail miserably. So how can you combine both missions and win on all fronts? Here are some tips from Hamid El Otmani, Director of LMS Organization and HR.
Daily Behavior
1- Confidence and self-control
You must remain in control of your interactions: self-control, balance in relationships, exemplary attitude, finesse in communication, both in substance and form.
I would like to recall here a research by Daniel Goldman from about ten years ago, on emotional intelligence, which led him to realize that great leaders certainly shared professional skills and a good IQ, but that what distinguishes brilliant leaders is their emotional intelligence characterized by self-confidence, self-control that allows the creation of a climate of trust at work, free from major disagreements and trench warfare, leading to high productivity.
The increasing pressure from activity and the time factor pushes us to get to the essentials with formal behaviors that leave little room for free time, for spontaneous behaviors released from the constraints of procedures and pre-established rules. However, these informal moments are favorable for defusing problems, conflicts, tensions.
You must also be courageous and not remain passive in the face of a significant problem, such as discrimination or lack of ethics. In interpersonal conflicts, avoid the ostrich policy, taking sides, engaging in gossip, but rather act as a mediator by trying to identify the causes of the conflicts and possible solutions to gain the trust of others. Your employees expect fairness in your dealings with each of them.
2- Mastering the art and manner of communicating
Communication, attitudes towards others and the words used, the way of saying things, all these factors will strengthen your image. They position you as someone repressive and demotivating for employees or, on the contrary, encouraging and constructive. Avoid dwelling on what is wrong and highlight the points to improve, give an opinion and do not make value judgments. Instead of saying to an employee "you are not reactive enough", it is better to say "could we find a way to be faster?".
3- Excelling in written communication
When spelling is not mastered, our image loses credibility regarding our level of education and legitimacy. A manager must possess undeniable writing skills. The increasingly intense use of new information technologies is not an excuse for the increasingly observed shortcomings in the art of written communication.
Improving your image as a manager
1- Clothing
You must adopt clothing suitable for the main activity of your day. For a manager, improving your professional image also means finding a balance between the codes to be respected and the expression of your personality. In the professional world, physical appearance also affects the credibility, confidence or competence perceived by your interlocutor.
On a daily basis, clothing is subject to codes specific to each family of professions. Dark suits and white shirts are very suitable for professions that require neutrality and discretion and that need to highlight their seriousness, such as bankers and lawyers, for example. Conversely, managers in close contact with employees and, even more so, professions related to aid and social work, will opt for pastel or autumnal colors. A brown suit, pale yellow shirt and orange tie will help build trust with your employee. However, the company's own dress codes stem from its values and may take precedence over those imposed by the profession.
2- Attending a client meeting
The dress codes of the profession or company are often emphasized when meeting the client: the manager then has a representative role and conveys the image of his company through his own.
3- Public speaking
Remain sober, avoid very flashy outfits, aggressive colors, if you do not want all the attention of your interlocutor or audience to be captured by your outfit. To emphasize the message you want to convey, especially during meetings or oral presentations, it is better to opt for simple cuts and beautiful materials that give elegance.
Posted on December 17, 2008
ouati.com
Daily Behavior
1- Confidence and self-control
You must remain in control of your interactions: self-control, balance in relationships, exemplary attitude, finesse in communication, both in substance and form.
I would like to recall here a research by Daniel Goldman from about ten years ago, on emotional intelligence, which led him to realize that great leaders certainly shared professional skills and a good IQ, but that what distinguishes brilliant leaders is their emotional intelligence characterized by self-confidence, self-control that allows the creation of a climate of trust at work, free from major disagreements and trench warfare, leading to high productivity.
The increasing pressure from activity and the time factor pushes us to get to the essentials with formal behaviors that leave little room for free time, for spontaneous behaviors released from the constraints of procedures and pre-established rules. However, these informal moments are favorable for defusing problems, conflicts, tensions.
You must also be courageous and not remain passive in the face of a significant problem, such as discrimination or lack of ethics. In interpersonal conflicts, avoid the ostrich policy, taking sides, engaging in gossip, but rather act as a mediator by trying to identify the causes of the conflicts and possible solutions to gain the trust of others. Your employees expect fairness in your dealings with each of them.
2- Mastering the art and manner of communicating
Communication, attitudes towards others and the words used, the way of saying things, all these factors will strengthen your image. They position you as someone repressive and demotivating for employees or, on the contrary, encouraging and constructive. Avoid dwelling on what is wrong and highlight the points to improve, give an opinion and do not make value judgments. Instead of saying to an employee "you are not reactive enough", it is better to say "could we find a way to be faster?".
3- Excelling in written communication
When spelling is not mastered, our image loses credibility regarding our level of education and legitimacy. A manager must possess undeniable writing skills. The increasingly intense use of new information technologies is not an excuse for the increasingly observed shortcomings in the art of written communication.
Improving your image as a manager
1- Clothing
You must adopt clothing suitable for the main activity of your day. For a manager, improving your professional image also means finding a balance between the codes to be respected and the expression of your personality. In the professional world, physical appearance also affects the credibility, confidence or competence perceived by your interlocutor.
On a daily basis, clothing is subject to codes specific to each family of professions. Dark suits and white shirts are very suitable for professions that require neutrality and discretion and that need to highlight their seriousness, such as bankers and lawyers, for example. Conversely, managers in close contact with employees and, even more so, professions related to aid and social work, will opt for pastel or autumnal colors. A brown suit, pale yellow shirt and orange tie will help build trust with your employee. However, the company's own dress codes stem from its values and may take precedence over those imposed by the profession.
2- Attending a client meeting
The dress codes of the profession or company are often emphasized when meeting the client: the manager then has a representative role and conveys the image of his company through his own.
3- Public speaking
Remain sober, avoid very flashy outfits, aggressive colors, if you do not want all the attention of your interlocutor or audience to be captured by your outfit. To emphasize the message you want to convey, especially during meetings or oral presentations, it is better to opt for simple cuts and beautiful materials that give elegance.
Posted on December 17, 2008
ouati.com
