Recently, I was asked the question, “What is an effective management philosophy for this business?” The individual asking the question was an experienced, competent and dedicated person who has been practicing management, with some good success, for some number of years.

My initial reaction was perplexity. I didn't understand the motive behind the question, nor could I determine where the line of enquiry might be leading us. So, in an attempt to get a better grasp of both of these issues (and being a typical management consultant), I responded, “Tell me first your definition of 'a manager' and also what you believe is your role”.

The answer alerted me immediately to the motive. First a 'circular' definition (a manager is someone who manages others), followed by a rambling, incoherent and even contradictory explanation of the managerial role. I realized that this manager, like many others perhaps, had never crystallized her thinking in this area. The problem was evident. Facing the opportunity to move on to a higher role, this young business practitioner was experiencing some anxieties regarding her potential for future success since she had not yet assessed the scope and strength of her foundational beliefs and supporting competencies.

Clearly, there's a need for such ambitious managers to develop a fundamental awareness of themselves in their professional role so that self monitoring can occur. This is what is termed a 'personal management philosophy'. Naturally, since we are all different, facing different challenges with varying resources and standards, there can be no single answer. There are however, some common concepts that are shared by all those who are deemed to be successful in the management role.

The best definition of a manager that I know is based on a Harvard Business School text. “A manager is someone who gets results through other people.” To this I would add, “by making them successful.” Results? Of course, why else would you employ him/her? Through other people? Yes, because people are the 'stock-in-trade' or resource for the manager. By making them successful? Certainly, for it is this single factor that separates the good manager from the others.

Based on this definition, here's a sample nine-point philosophy that might fit for some. There's a fuller description on the Andros website if you'd like to know more.

• Manage processes not people - let people manage themselves while you manage the interfaces between them where interests are shared and connections are needed.
• Develop strategy driven by objectives - where focus is on outcomes not methods, eliminating 'silos' by linking functions horizontally, and by streamlining the work.
• Define the value-added opportunities - create a 'service chain' from the individual contributions of all involved that will deliver customer satisfaction through synergy.
• Manage change continuously - since all processes must adapt and evolve to meet the demands of a changing market, but start with the perceptions/beliefs of individuals.
• Encourage self management - by providing each person with a mandate – a license to act/contribute, and a set of agreed critical measurement indices for ongoing reporting.
• Facilitate communication - the life blood of the organization and fuel for processes, that should flow horizontally, elegantly and spontaneously to support objectives.
• Create a 'success environment' - where recognition and rewards are immediate, and people are encouraged to learn and grow as an integral part of their responsibilities.
• Monitor and measure progress - through use of a visible scoreboard, showing both organizational and personal achievements in the form of contributions and learnings.
• Keep a dynamic balance - with equal emphasis on planning, performance and pulse-point awareness that allows all to see the 'big picture' and relate to a shared future.

This could serve as a template for any individual in a managerial role. Feel free to adapt the sequence, words and emphases to suit yourself, which is where the fuller version on the website can assist you.

A sound management philosophy or strategy will become a source of both inspiration and comfort to you, especially when you are up to your keester in alligators and asking yourself, “What am I supposed to be doing about this?”