Michael Dell is widely considered one of the mythic heroes of the PC industry, and is labeled the "the most innovative guy for marketing computers in the 1990s”. In 1992, at the age of 27, Michael Dell became the youngest CEO ever to head a Fortune 500 company; he was a billionaire at the age of 31. In the company’s early days, Michael spent a lot of his time with the engineers. He was said to be shy, but those who worked with him closely described him as a likable young man who was able to achieve a happy and efficient workforce that punched above its weight in its performance.1 Michael Dell was a great manager.
Managers or not – this is a question that most of us had asked themselves. Bayt.com went on a hunt to find the answers. Based on a recent poll entitled “The Bayt.com Workplace Dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa”, June 2013, Bayt.com was able to identify which traits professionals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region want most in a manager. Generally speaking, great managers attract exceptional staff; they make the organization a preferred employer; they help to increase market share; add to profits and surpluses, and reduce costs. Their teams are engaged, committed and go the extra mile.
In terms of what professionals in MENA want most in a manager, our research indicates that respondents believe that the best managers are the ones who are good at mentoring and coaching (12.3%), who are leaders by action (11.3%), and true visionaries (10%). Moreover, great manager – according to MENA professionals – are regular performance appraisers (8.4%), team players (5.4%), and democratic consensus builders (4.2%). These managers are strong, assertive commanders (3.6%).
Meanwhile, 42.9% of respondents believe that a great manager should have all these qualities. On the other hand, respondents are put off by managers who have a lack of vision (30%), a command and control style (30%), as well as poor mentorship and coaching skills, and poor communication skills (both at 11%).
What do YOU think are the characteristics of a great manager? Tell us what in your opinion makes a good or bad manager in the comment box below.
Photo courtesy: Oracle 1 Thompson, A. A. & Strickland, A. J. (1999). Strategic Management. Boston: McGraw-Hill Irwin.
