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Managing People Managing Computers 3 E.T. Khor, Culture Transformation Expert explains the complexities of managing human resource.
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efore moving into the world of ‘People Management’, I spent 5 years in the IT industry in the UK and in Malaysia as a Technical Manager. I have personally managed both people and computers. Today, this is my first question to clients:
IS IT EASIER TO MANAGE PEOPLE OR COMPUTERS? The answer is ALWAYS the latter. Even technical people.
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COMPUTERS HAVE EMOTICONS – NOT EMOTIONS Very simply, computers are predictable. They do not have feelings or mood
swings. This is how computers work – you input data, and you can expect the output. Or as they say, GIGO (engineers will know what this means). While computers may hang and software can be defective, the source is usually identifiable and fixable. People are complex beings with a mosaic of history, emotions and issues which make us unique. Along with that comes unlimited human potential and capabilities. It is up to us leaders to create the right environment for our employees to excel in their jobs.
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THERE IS NO S.O.P IN MANAGING PEOPLE
Computers always come with a manual. Manufacturing processes have Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). With people, there is no Quick Start Guide or Troubleshooting Wizard. There is no secret formula. As a leader you need to invest your time to understand your people, know what drives them, know how they like to be led and know how to create synergy with them. That is why more and more leaders are turning to
strategic tools and technology, such as psychometric profiles to facilitate this.
LOOK IN THE MIRROR
When a computer is too slow or not working, the solution is cheap and easy - just throw it away and replace it. However, what if your employee is not performing up to your expectations? This is where you, as a leader, should look in the mirror. Are you providing the leadership and support needed; thereby positioning your team to achieve their KPIs? This is more than just remunerating them. Effective leaders need to wear many hats: coach, mentor, counsellor, communicator and chief motivator!
GOOD ENGINEERS = GOOD MANAGERS? NOT NECESSARILY. When you reason critically on the statement above, you will realise that it is true for almost all jobs. The most successful companies underst and that leadership development and coaching is critical. Leadership is a journey filled with ever-changing learning, self-reflection and constant improvement. Leaders who embrace this will find the path to success inspiring, rewarding and fulfilling.
E.T. KHOR (Khor Eng Tat) • Culture Transformation Expert • Certified PEAKS Psychometric Profiling Consultant • Certified Professional Trainer (HRDF/PSMB & Western Kentucky University) • Writer and Speaker H/P : +6012-390 6772 E-mail : et@etkhor.com Website: www.apacconsultancy.com E.T. Khor is a Culture Transformation Expert and uses PEAKS psychometric technology to develop leaders and high potential staff to peak perform in their jobs. He has 10 years of experience in HR consultancy, specialising in leadership development, corporate culture transformation and mindset change. His programs are able to impact people, change behaviours and are trackable and measurable. ET has worked, trained and spoken in Malaysia, China, Singapore, Brunei and the United Kingdom.
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