Searching for an ideal manager to work for career growth
- Sumi Mary Philip
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
13 Years and counting in my career span, one thing I strongly advocate is for to work with a good manager, good organization and for quality work. My initial years I chose quality work, experience, learning over money and designations. Today, after years I still stand strong on my decision I took. At the risk of sounding wise I have to say one needs to have a long term game plan in mind before joining the workforce.
When you work for two or more managers you get a better understanding about the kind of manager you want to work with and grow your career.
At the end of any interview, they always ask “Do you have any questions?” That is when you get to determine about the company, the manager that you are going to work with for the near future. Never miss that opportunity and ask questions wisely.
Choosing to work for a manager/organization is like going for arranged marriage in India. You create a bio data for matrimonial sites, here you create your resume for the job sites. The screening process and then the telephonic interview for vetting the candidates for both scenarios are same. During the first meeting between the to be bride and groom and in this case the candidate and the manager at the face to face interview both parties ask questions to get satisfied answers to see if they are a good match for them, family/organization. Once they pass the interview stage next comes the dowry/salary negotiation stage. Along with the salary and benefits both parties check if are compatible with each other.
Gone are the days where the bride/candidate was at the mercy of the groom/manager to select them. Now adays the bride/candidate also has a choice to vet the best possible option. The candidate should know what are their requirements and be prepared with the questions to verify if the manager/ organization has all the qualities of a good career partner. Will this partnership be beneficial to both parties.
An ideal quality in a good manager:
Work Ethics: A good manager leads by example. S/he gives equal opportunity to develop your potential career. S/he is fair in their judgment and has integrity to develop their team with complete honesty.
Clear vision & Goals: The manager has career development plan for them and for the team. Helps you to improve at your job and should be able to reach the organization goals.
Effective Communicator: Like a good marriage, a good work partnership can be sustained only with communication, guidance and feedback at regular interval.
Practices Empathy: Creates a thriving workplace, does not put you under stress, boosts job satisfaction and gives importance to good mental health.
Change Maker and Flexible: The manager keeps it interesting at work by being a change manager and at the same time flexible with the change. Adapt the changes according to the team rather than team to the changes.
Mentor: A good manager builds a community of people who would want to work for them and advice the employee to navigate his/her career challenges.
You should ask the difficult questions, assess the answers to your satisfaction and see if it is a right fit. You should define what kind of workplace, manager, quality of work, know what works best for you and develop questions accordingly. Assess their personality, behavior, knowledge, practices and work style.
It is all about finding a good partner/manager to have a happy married/work life. If the manager score 80/100, I think, that a pretty good work partner. You should know your negotiables and non-negotiables. A good manager helps you find a good balance between work and personal life.
Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask these questions but mind your tone. Ask the questions and get suitable answers, leave the chip on your shoulder at home.
All the best for your search!
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