Business Operations Ch. 7 Manager As Leader

Goals Discuss the common characteristics of effective leaders. Explain the five human relations skills needed by managers. Identify four types of influence that leaders use. Describe the two main types of leadership styles.

Chapter 7: The Importance of Leadership Day 1 Notes

What is the importance of leadership? Managing people is one of the most important responsibilities in making a business successful. – If employees feel that they are not involved in decisions they will not be as committed to the work. – Managers are expected to involve employees and find ways to meet their needs as well as the business’s. Leadership – the ability to influence individuals and groups to accomplish important goals. Human Relations – the way people get along with each other. – When managers get employees to work well together, things can get accomplished.

What are leadership characteristics? It takes skill to get people with different backgrounds and personalities to work well together. The following are characteristics of good leaders: – Dependability: following through on commitments. – Objectivity: looking at all sides of an issue. – Stability: avoid being too emotional or unpredictable. – Cooperation: working well with others and recognizing others strengths. – Honesty: being ethical in decision making and treatment of others.

How does one develop leadership characteristics? Study leadership. Many books and courses are available to help you understand what it takes to be a leader. Participate in organizations and activities. Practice leadership at work. Observe leaders. Work with a mentor who is willing to help you learn about leadership skills.

Chapter 7: Human Relations Day 2 Notes

Why are human relations important? Human relations largely determines whether a manager is successful or not. The five important human relations skills of managers are: – Self understanding – Understanding others – Communications – Team building – Developing job satisfaction

Why are human relations important? Self understanding: – Leaders must understand their strengths and weaknesses. – A manager cannot be viewed as unpredictable or unfair. Understanding others: – An effective leader gets to know each person, their skills and abilities, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. Team building: – Businesses are made of groups and teams, not individuals. – Managers must be able to identify any problems the group is having and help solve them quickly.

Why are human relations important? Communications: – Managers must have effective communication skills. – An effective communicator must also be a good listener. Types of communication: – Formal vs. Informal: Formal – methods that have been established and approved by the organization. Informal – common but unofficial ways that information moves in an organization. – Internal vs. External: Internal – occurs between managers, employees, and work groups. External – occur inside and outside the organization with customers suppliers and other businesses.

Why are human relations important? – Vertical vs. Horizontal: Vertical – move up or down in an organization between management and employees. Horizontal – move across the organization at the same level. – Oral vs. Written: Oral – word-of-mouth communications. Written – includes notes, letters, reports, and s. Developing job satisfaction: – Employees are more effective when managers pay attention to their needs and concerns and try to help them solve their problems. – Daily difficulties can lead to long-term job dissatisfaction.

Chapter 7: Influencing People, Leadership Styles, and Employer/Employee Relations Day 3 Notes

How do leaders influence people? The different kinds of influence that typically are used in businesses: – Position Influence – the ability to get others to accomplish tasks because of the position the leader holds. – Reward Influence – results from the leader’s ability to give or withhold rewards. – Expert Influence – arises when group members recognize that the leader has special expertise in the area. – Identity Influence – stems from personal trust and respect members have for the leader. Note: the influence of leaders is not always positive and may not be effective for a long period of time.

What are the leadership styles? Leadership Style – the way a manager treats and directs employees. The leadership styles are: – Tactical Management – a leadership style where a manager is more directive and controlling. Ex: working under time constraints or when employees are not motivated. – Strategic Management – a leadership style where managers are less directive and involve employees in decision-making. Ex: employees are skilled and experienced or employees are doing work that they enjoy. – Mixed Management – the combined use of tactical and strategic management. Depends on the situation.

How do employers/employees coincide? Labor Union – an organization of employees who negotiate with employers about issues such as wages and working conditions. – Issues are resolved through collective bargaining between management and the employees. Collective bargaining – group of employees joined together as a single unit to negotiate. Meeting Business & Employee Goals – Managers have found employees are more likely to support the decisions they are involved in. – When managers and employees cooperate, it’s a win win situation for both groups.