Bruce Smith is a totally incompetent manager Essay - 1

Bruce Smith is a totally incompetent manager - Essay Example As we move along we will also use other theories and research to substantiate our conclusions. The interpersonal activities of a manager arise out of his status and the formal authority that he has. This category of activities supports the information processing and the decision roles which are the other two activities that manager performs. This is the role in which the manager represents the unit which he heads and becomes the one who symbolizes the unit. Duties must be carried out whether they are social, legal or inspirational. Events must be attended and documents must be signed. There is no evidence in the information provided in the case study to suggest that Bruce might not be fulfilling this role well. In fact his commitment to excellence in the performance of his unit indicates that he fulfills this role very well. This is a decisive role played by a manager particularly with respect to his relationship with subordinates. In the leadership role the manager keeps the subordinates motivated, encouraged and alert. The manager balances the interests of the organization (which he keeps first) with the interests of the employee to ensure effective functioning. I would categorize Bruce as an exceptional leader. ... These are technical skills, human skills and conceptual skills. Peterson & Fleet (2004, pp. 1299) have defined these for us: Technical skills are defined as the understanding of, or proficiency in, specific activities that require the use of specialized tools, methods, processes, procedures, techniques, or knowledge.Human skills are defined as the ability to work cooperatively with others, to communicate effectively, to resolve conflict, and to be a team player.Finally, conceptual skills are defined as the ability to see the organization as a whole or to have a systemic viewpoint Bruce would score highly on technical skills because of his ability to resolve technical issues as indicated by the feedback of his subordinate Stephen Dye who appreciated Bruce's ability to come up with solutions for technical problems like computers or paper or ink. Alex Brown another of Bruce's subordinates has complimented him on his interest in keeping his staff well trained as well as his frankness in giving feedback. Leonard Best tell us about the monthly morning tea awards which is a system that keeps the team motivated and contributes to a good spirit. These soft skills of Bruce give him a high score on human skills which is the second category of skills enumerated by Katz as necessary for managers. The time and energy he devotes to these human activities indicate the high level of priority that he attaches to these activities as well as his belief in the need to keep his team motivated. Liaison: This is the role of the manager which has to do with his networking skills. A positive equation with people with whom there may be no direct working relationship has great rewards and favor result out of these relationships. These kind of networking skills shaping internal and external