Entry 1: The Manager

Name: Daphne Phee

Age: 21

Designation: Retail Manager

Company Name: Awfully Chocolate

1)Briefly describe your job responsibilities as a manager.

A: As a retail manager, it is my job to ensure that the store is always covered and ran smoothly. I also have to ensure that there is enough stocks and products to last the whole day. I do not like it whenever we run out of stock for any product during the operating hours. As a store manager, I also have to ensure that my co-workers are happy with what they are doing and act as a form of motivation if they are not.

2)What is your management style?

A:  As a manager, I do not like to come across as naggy or bossy. I feel that this will put my co-workers off and also discourage them from working to their full potential. Moreover, I am about the same age as most of the people I have to manage. This is why i try to be more of a friend rather than a manager to all of my co-workers as it will make communication easier and they would also feel comfortable whenever they have to approach me for help. This will make resolution of matters easier as well. Despite being a friend to my co-workers, I still try my best to be firm when giving instructions so that they would still take me seriously and regard me with respect.

(From this I can conclude that her management style is more of the Hawthorne studies which is under Human Relations School of Management. As she actually considered ways to better her relationship with her co-workers by improving the social and interpersonal relationship between herself and her work mates but maintaining her stand as a manager at the same time.) 

3)What are some difficulties you face as a manager?

A: There are many difficulties I face everyday. Afew examples would be damaged products and being short handed as many of my part timers like to cancel their shifts at the very last minute. This causes me to panic as I will have to immediately try and find someone to turn up for work on such a short notice. One major problem I face is being too close to my co-workers. Sometimes, when we get too close to one another, it makes me lose my authoritative figure amongst my co-workers. They tend to take me for granted and just not turn up for their shifts without giving me a heads up before hand or even changing their shifts without letting me know in advance. 

4)How do you overcome these difficulties?

A: If these incidents actually happen to any of my co-workers, I will be firm and let them know that there will be consequences such as pay deduction or delaying of their pay till I see an improvement in their attitude towards work. I also give small treats such as buying lunch for them if I actually do see improvement. I hope that these small gestures from me will motivate them to do better at work and this will in turn help ensure that such problems do not happen again.

5)In your opinion, what makes a good manager

A: In my opinion, a good manager is someone who can complete her given task efficiently and effectively. Also, a good manager is someone who puts herself in the shoes of her co-workers and always tries and see things from their point of view. Lastly, a good manager is also someone who is flexible, adaptive and always ready to lend a helping hand.