What makes managers effective with people in the workplace today Essay

What makes managers effective with people in the workplace today - Essay Example In this regard, effective managers are team players who function in an environment that is characterized by changing economic circumstances, rapid technological advances as well as changes in politics which are often challenges to conducting business (Gordon, 2002 as cited in Shultz 2005, p. 10). It can be noted that the 21st century workplace is undergoing immense and permanent changes hence efficiency and flexibility are demanded of organisations, teams have become important whereas participative management and empowerment have become central to effective management of people (Swanepoel, 1998). As such, this report seeks to explore the factors that make managers effective with people in the workplace every day. The report is divided into four sections which include the following: The first part addresses the challenges to managers of managing people during the contemporary business environment. ... This will also include practical examples of effective problem evaluation and resolution through the use of ‘people management’ skills in action. The fourth section specifically deals with evaluating the practical value of management self development. This includes an evaluation of personal ‘people skills’ strengths and weaknesses based on ELLI, the skills evaluation and development questionnaire, the emotional intelligence questionnaire, The Belbin teamwork, on-line questionnaire as well as a critical reflection of interpersonal/teamwork skills in class. The fifth section will deal with conclusions and a brief reflective summary highlighting the lessons learnt from writing the report. 2.0 Evaluation of ‘managing people’ challenges facing managers during the contemporary business environment During the contemporary period, it can be noted that one of the most challenging roles faced by the managers is to manage an organisation that is undergoing a major change process. The business environment in which the organisations are operating is dynamic and constantly changing hence the need for the managers to identify different ways of managing change (Swanepoel, 1998). The way these organisational changes are managed will play a crucial role in the extent to which organisations remain competitive and successful. In this case, the leader plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the organisation undergoing a change process. As such, it is important to highlight some of the roles played by the manager as well as the challenges that may be encountered in managing change. Change is about transition by the organisation from its current strategy and operations in order to move the