Do managers get enough credit?
Recently at my work I have been put in positions where I have to act as a manager. I've been addressing safety issues and mediating employee disputes. I have come to realize that it is not so easy as people think it is. Here in my country (Trinidad) people have the mentality that managers have an easy work sitting in an office all day. I have also come to realize that people who say this usually dont know what its really like. It takes a mental toll on a person. The responsibility of everything and everyone falls on you. Everyone depends on you to make decisive decisions. The pressure comes where you feel that you must make the right decision every time. Dealing with grown men and women can be very stressful, especially those who resist authority.
Don't get me wrong, I am glad to be exposed to all of these scenarios. I am learning alot, and there is much more to learn. I am becoming a better person and stronger CEan.
My boss told me once, Manage with an iron fist in a velvet glove. That is to be strong, assertive and confident in what you say, but at the same time be polite about it. I always remember that when dealing with disputes.