How would you describe an effective manager? Learning Objectives LO 1.2-1 Discuss the term manager. LO 1.2-2 Describe managers in today’s workplace. LO 1.2-3 Identify managerial roles according to Mintzberg. LO 1.2-4 Cite examples of skills of successful managers. Key Terms manager direct report for-profit business not-for-profit organization glass ceiling diversity managerial role conceptual skills interpersonal skills soft skills communication technical skills hard skills Section 1.2 Managers Defined LO 1.2-1 LO 1. 2 -1 Who Is a Manager? A manager is a person who directs and oversees the work of others in order to achieve the goals of an organization. Employees who report to a manager are called direct reports. A direct report is an employee who reports directly to one manager. Being a manager is not always an easy job. In a typical workday, a manager may hire a new employee, attend meetings, make a presentation for clients, and settle an argument between two workers. A manager receives praise when things go well and gets blame when things are not successful. A manager works for an organization. An organization can be for-profit or not-for-profit. A for-profit business is an organization that generates revenue with the objective of earning a profit for its owners. One of its sole purposes is to be productive and generate profit for its owners. Google, Apple, and Walmart are examples of for- profit businesses. A not-for-profit organization is an organization that exists to serve some public purpose. It is also known as a nonprofit organization or a nonprofit. Goodwill, the American Heart Association, and the Humane Society are examples. Government groups, on all levels, are also considered not-for-profit organizations. The duties of managers tend to be quite different from the duties of employees. Managers typically supervise others, assign tasks, and oversee workflow, while employees are more involved in specific tasks. A large part of what a manager does for an organization involves strategically dividing work to be accomplished into manageable tasks and assigning employees to perform those tasks. Managers act as communicators between their teams and senior management. They make certain that the goals of the organization established by senior management are conveyed to employees on their teams. LO 1.2-2 LO 1. 2 - 2 Today’s Managers In earlier times, a manager was called “the boss.” Managers were typically white males who controlled everything that happened at work. Few women or individuals of ethnicity were in management positions. The stereotype of the 1950s of white male boss is gone, and the glass ceiling is gradually being eliminated. The glass ceiling is the invisible barrier that prevents a group of people from job advancement. Equal opportunities for management positions are now possible for all genders, abilities, and race. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 11