hey capitano
Over the years, and in whatever walk of work-life you find yourselves in, we all undoubtedly have the conversations and heated discussions as to what constitutes the elusive ‘good manager’. We all seem to have experienced both good ones and, invariably, perhaps more often, the not so good ones! As you know, I do love my sporting metaphors so what I’ve done is look at the role of both the captain of the footie team and the manager of the club. I’ve then tried to apply it to my place of work, the target-driven heated sales office of a recruiting company. Personally, it was an equally enjoyable and enlightening exercise to do so and when you’ve a spare ten minutes I’d urge you to do the same within the context of your work environment and place yourself in one role or the other.
The captain of the team is:
– A good football player. Not necessarily the best though.
– Undoubtedly one of the elder members of the team.
– Undoubtedly one of the more experienced, if not THE most experienced member of the team.
– The leader of the team, tactically and he leads by example.
– The motivator of the team whilst it is playing.
– He who sets the immediate target ie win the match.
– A respected member of the team and his time/advice is valued highly.
– Often held in awe and with a touch of fear.
Is the manager any different? Subtly, yes:
– Often, not a footballer at all and does not play with the team.
– Always the oldest.
– He builds the squad, selects the team and determines the formation they are to play in.
– He buys and sells the players. He decided what players/skills/abilities the squad needs.
– Determines how the team plays, in what style and in what tournaments.
– Tactically can change the play mid-game.
– Perhaps understands more re the finances of the club.
– Leads by position as opposed to example.
In recruiting terms, a captain is:
– A good recruiter. Not necessarily the best though.
– Wise and experienced.
– Certainly one of the elder members of the team.
– Knowledgeable in all potential recruiting situations, both contract and permanent.
– Motivates and leads by example and by doing to the best of their abilities.
– Picks up the pieces when it all (inevitably) falls apart.
– Able to re-direct efforts in order to achieve targets.
In recruiting terms a manager is:
– Not necessarily a recruiter (though I think this is highly improbable).
– Hires and fires from the company.
– Selects each team and the manner of their operation.
– Wise and experienced and is probably the eldest.
– Extremely aware of the recruiting market and the areas of operation.
– Sets the bigger, all encompassing company goals and targets.
– Able to tactically change the approach either mid Q or more.
– Credible in all situations and possesses a high degree of gravitas and charisma, Can be sometimes rather imposing.
– Financially savvy.
– Legally knowledgeable and commanding.
Both the captain and manager have to be prepared to spend ‘quality time’ with their team members. For this time to be determined as quality and of value it has to be recognised as being such by those team members. The time and advice of Captains and Managers needs to viewed as worth something to the individuals.
Simple qualities are priceless. Players want their leaders to be consistent and honest. Nobody wants (metaphorically) to sit on the sidelines watching, but an honest explanation as to why you’re not in the (proverbial) team, can go a long way to quelling discontent and bad-feeling. The minute the leader shows favouritism based not on results or ability, or to be acting in a politically motivated manner with a potentially hidden agenda, the game’s up and a respect is on its way outta the door. Leaders don’t need to be loved but they do need to be respected.
As the individual within the team structure grows in stature, knowledge and respect dynamics start to change and it’s only a matter of time before the leader will ask for an opinion, or for confirmation and reassurance of an action taken. The first time this happens something seismic changes. Prior to this the leader was the one who had all the answers and knew what was best irrespective of the circumstances. Now, the legend becomes humanised and the pedestal cracks. You realise that, unlike those in non-living memory, he was not the Messiah. He was just a very, very good man-manager.
