Is Management Losing Its Touch?

Dr. Mario Denton

The current work culture is one of "work harder, work faster and produce the results", which could translate into extremely long working hours and a tremendous amount of self-sacrifice from the majority if work becomes the ruling (but no longer enjoyable) passion of some people.

To compound matters, managers are experiencing the new work arena as different and threatening. The old way of doing things is no longer viable and managers are pressurised to match internationally recognised trends in production, people management and technology.

The major factors negatively influencing the lifestyle of managers, this has resulted in:

• In-fighting (politics) at work
• Frustration about organisational structure
• Lack of mentors to serve as a sounding board for ideas
• Craving for an alternative way of life
• Management not being motivating or inspiring
• Lack of constructive feedback during performance management processes
• Uncertainty about the future economy

People should lead more balanced lives in order to prevent illness. Stronger emphasis must be placed on self-improvement and the internalisation of a healthy and ethical lifestyle. People should strive to update and improve their knowledge base continually through self-insight, training and development, regardless of their seniority in the workplace. Healthy eating and exercise patterns need to be adopted in order to live a balanced life.

It is generally accepted that dysfunctional employees will lead to dysfunctional organisations and a correlation between poor performance and low profits is clear. Healthy staff who feel motivated are vital to success and profitability.

Isn't it time for management to clean up its act and started playing its rightful role? They should be ensuring that a conducive culture and work environment exists, as effective styles of people management are quintessential to optimal productivity.

So send all your managers on a management simulation annually. Why must Boeing 747 pilots do a simulation test before they can renew their licences every year?

Remember 2 Corinthians 4:16 said it clear: Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. - God wants to renew you day by day. You may feel tired or weak, but God wants to come right now and renew you and that is why we never give up.

Our prayer Lord, strengthen me I pray and renew my strength as I face this week. Amen.

From Dr. Mario Denton as the Africa: Continental Program Director - Marketplace

Let's keep the good marketplace vibes alive. Let's network. Become a member of the Crown Companies Marketplace Coaching Forum.

Phone: + 27(0) 82 88 29903.
Email: mario@crown.org.za
Website: www.crown.org.za

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