Leadership: Critical Reflection On My Own Observation And Concept Of What It Means To Be A Manager

This is a critical reflection on my own observation and concept of what it means to be a manager. For me, a manager is a person who is responsible for controlling or administrating the activities that can affect the smooth functioning of the organisation. The term management has been defined in numerous ways by authors, according to Harold Koontz, “Management is an art of getting things done through and with the people in formally organized groups. It is an art of creating an environment in which people can perform and individuals and can co-operate towards attainment of group goals” (Kakar).

For a few years I have been observing a lot of managers, I could say that manager should possess qualities like determination and self confidence and moreover manager should be loyal to the organisation where he works as well as to his subordinates. Being a manager requires qualities like ability to understand, learn, energy, firmness, initiative, loyalty, tact, dignity and furthermore he must be physically and mentally healthy (John and Michael, 2002). This writing completely depends on my perception and experience on managers and what it is like to be a manager.

Critical Observation

The leadership observation that this critical evaluation deals is centred on “Mr. Jithin”, whom I call “Mr. J.” manager of ESAF Bank in my hometown. We have been friends for a long time, I consider it interesting to use my analysis and observation with his leadership case because I believe this would allow me to recommend areas where he does a flawless job. I can evidently say that he is the perfect manager of the branch even though his leadership style feels a bit tough for his subordinates. His style is a blend of bureaucratic, coach and visionary style, although he strictly follows the organisational rules, he gives advices to his subordinates (Thomas and John,1986). Bureaucratic leadership style was first defined as “It is a system of management whereby employees are made to follow specific rules and lines of authority created by the superiors. In other words, these set of leaders function based on official regulations fixed by higher authorities within the organization- Max Weber (1947).”

Bureaucratic leadership is best suited to business and organizations which includes religion, business, and politics because it requires a structure and depends largely on a framework to support its function (Bernthal, 1969). According to history Sir. Winston Churchill was a leader who followed bureaucratic leadership style during his sovereignty as a leader and prime minister of The Great Britain (Barker, 1945). Sir Winston Churchill was known to be a very decisive leader and he was someone who was tough to persuade. He presented persistence at all levels to carry on with his plans against all the probabilities. He was the mastermind who formed plans that helped Britain to master the rivals during the world war. Churchill is said to be a leader that is highly detail-oriented and meticulous, which are traits that can distinguish a bureaucratic leader from all the other leaders. He always had a vision and he wanted to know every detail that was happening in the battlefield during the world war (Pelling, 1999).

“Leadership is the lifting of a man’s vision to higher sights, the raising of a man’s performance to a higher standard, the building of a man’s personality beyond its normal limitations (Drucker P. F)”. The best leadership theory I like the most is functional theory because of the reason that it is best suited for an organisation that works in groups. “According to Hackman and Walton, Functional leadership theory is a theory for addressing specific leader behaviours expected to contribute to organizational or unit effectiveness; This theory argues that the leader’s main job is to see that whatever is necessary to group needs is taken care of; thus, a leader can be said to have done their job well when they have contributed to group effectiveness and cohesion”(Hackman & Walton, 1986; McGrath, 1962). I have been observing Mr. J and he is a person who effectively works in a group and lead the group members from the front for attaining group objectives (Wikipedia). Functional leadership increases the coordination between people working in groups and helps team development (S.J. Zaccaro et al., 2001).

The best management theory that fits an organisation according to my concept is Administrative Theory by Henry Fayol. His favourite principles called Fayol’s 14 Principles are good for an organisation where both employee and employer get the benefit from it, even though it might be limited according to size of the organisation (Sheldrake, 2003). According to Janet Krenn(2011), Henri Fayol concluded that management should interact with personnel in five basic ways [planning, organising, commanding, coordinating and commanding] in order to control and plan production. Fayol states that each of these functions should be done by managers on a day-to-day basis. Fayol’s structure is the foundation of the functions of management that have changed over the years. Fayol completely described what a manager does and how each activity builds others.

Conclusion

A manager must possess many qualities in order to be successful in his life. He must face many challenges and overcome these challenges to sustain in the organisation he works. A manager must have qualities like good physique, excellent mental condition, moral, educational and technical expertise, as well as educational and expertise in business condition (Fayol & Fayol, 2013). A manager must love the company culture, must be positive and have a great focus, they must hold a good heart and honest mind (Council, 2016). Anyone can be a manager but, it might be just a position, a good manager must be equipped with certain qualities which makes him the best. A manager according to me is a person who can take his subordinates as well as his superiors to a greater level. A manager represents the organisation he works, in other words, he is the face of an organisation. He must be bold and healthy