Tuesday, July 22, 2008

A Good Manager Is...

Never have my management skills been challenged as it is being done now. I have postponed making my decision and racked my brains trying to find the perfect solution. I've consulted my father-in-law (once my MBA professor and who taught me the basic rudimentary of good management skills) and my husband (para naman may use yung MBA degree niya. Hehe). Though we came up with something, it's not anything I'm really happy or would push through with.

My main problem is that my boss is forcing me to give up 3 of my people to another department without replacing them. The plan was this should only be short term. Unfortunately, we have different definitions of short term. I define short term as 1-2 months. He defines short term is 1 to 2 years!

My main concern has already been addressed, which is the business should be aware that I lack the manpower and they should not go after me if my TAT gets worse. Now I have to make the difficult choice of choosing the people.

What complicates the whole thing is that the department that needs the people is not a popular unit. When I used to be in my people's place, I always dreaded the time that we will have to be assigned to that unit and that usually happens if the market is not doing well--which unfortunately is now. In my 8 years in the business, this is the first time I've seen the market floundering and it's a bit scary.

My father-in-law suggested that I should ask for volunteers first--actually that was my first thought as well. But I already have an inkling that no one would volunteer. Most of my people came from that department and they left because they've had enough. Unfortunately, my boss wants them because they're the ones with the experience and would need minimal training. Worse, some of these people are my top performers.

I know I can't postpone making this decision as he wants these 3 people by August 1 and that's next week. I already have a nagging headache trying to wrack my brains the whole day for an acceptable solution or the best way for me to sell the proposition to them. I love my people and I know how difficult their place is right now.

I can only just pray and hope that the decision I make will not haunt me for the rest of my professional life.

6 comments:

Rene David said...

Sometimes you just have to follow your instinct. or common sense..it's easier this way.

Norrie Blackeby said...

Wow, I'd hate to be in your shoes Sunshine. It's a really tough one. Good luck. I am interested to see how this pans out.

Nonie David Carluen said...

whatever your decision will be - you must be aware that you will please some and disappoint others so don't dwell too much on it.there are other more important aspects in your life that you should put your effort into.

Nonie David Carluen said...

When you say your concern has been addressed - did you get this in writing? why do you say worse? is it THAT bad?

Nonie David Carluen said...

what concept of time does your boss go by?!

Nonie David Carluen said...

try not to be negative for the next couple of months ok?! what is the worst that could happen? put everything is perspective - how it would pan out in the scheme of things in your life. take care sunshine.