People Management

Part 1. Simply because I think I will write about this topic again in future. Never short of experiences to write about when it comes to this.

There are a lot of books out there on leadership and specifically on managing people. The ones I have read almost always talks about the same things, the same tips. I can't remember when I stopped buying them. Nowadays, I think the Harvard Business Review keeps me updated enough on the new adaptations (I say adaptation because people management principles don't change, we just need to flexibly adapt to the generation and lifestyle we live in), latest research and management fads. And more so since over the years of being a people manager, nothing is like truly experiencing it on the job, everyday. Obvious, you could say.

I realized managing people has many similarities with managing your own children. Except in this case you have many (many many) more and that they're all adults who have been nurtured differently, come from different environments, have different perspectives on life and other people in general. Nevertheless, there is one dilemma about people management I find consistent with raising my own children. When do you be all supportive, encouraging, motivating and when do you be firm, demanding i.e. tough without necessarily meaning you 'love' them any less?

It's situational. 

There are times when a little bit of unreasonable-ness is needed to drive change. Else, everything stays status quo because it is the path of least resistance. 

There are times when you are extra supportive because you feel guilt that you have somewhat 'neglected' that particular area and your team is obviously trying hard.

There are times you need to be more motivating and understanding, not because you want to be popular and be liked but because we are all humans, and we need that encouragement occasionally.

..and there are times when toughness and 'guru besar' discipline is just needed. period.

Nevertheless, a key condition to situational leadership is professionalism. It's not personal and should not be.

Also, the further we climb up the ladder, expect that you will 'receive' TLC and 'tough'ness in a whole different light (darkness sometimes :P) and in different form than before. But that is fair, as demands and expectations of you are also higher.

Agree to disagree with me?