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Are You Michael Scott?
No one wants to be a bad boss, but it’s all too easy to let a friendly relationship interfere with your responsibilities as a manager. Take this quiz to see if your repartee with your staff boosts morale or hinders productivity.


1. Is it better to be feared or loved?



Feared because of how much you are loved


2. When is it appropriate to delegate your responsibilities?

When it’s in the best interest of the company.

 

3. When faced with the possibility of downsizing, what do you do for your staff?

Tell them nothing—the less they know, the better.
Have a serious sit-down meeting with the entire staff to let them know about the problem and address any concerns.

 

4. As a manager, how should your staff view you?

As someone to be taken seriously.
As someone who is available to listen to work related problems, but not a colleague.
c. As a friend, always ready for a fun time

5. How often do you email your staff?

As needed, but rarely
. Face-to-face contact is more effective, but when
that’s not possible, I e-mail to check in.
c. Every funny email I get, I forward to my staff.



6. How do you encourage new employees?

Give them a tour, tell them my door is always open and deal with their concerns as they arise.
After their first month, take them out to lunch and go over the work they have done.
c. Have them run personal errands to make them feel like an integral part of my life

 

7. When the need arises to let someone go, how do you handle the situation?

Immediately and decisively
the situation to the person over lunch, but remain resolute.
c. Ask for the advice of the staff.


8. How do you handle performance reviews?

The week before, I look over my staff’s sales records.
I spend the year tracking performance along with other intangibles.
c. I go on the fly; I believe a lot can be learned about someone’s performance through dialogue.

 

9. How do you react to success of your sales staff?

I’m happy for them, but I don’t want to dwell on their success. The next quarter is only a few months away.
Like a proud parent: I’m excited that my staff did well, but I realize it was their own hard work that led to their success.
c. I’m jealous of their recognition.


10. As a boss, you see yourself as a...


Leader
Friend

 

If you selected...

Most A’s: The Ice Man Cometh
You take your management position seriously and keep your staff at a professional distance. While no one would ever accuse you of ignoring the boundaries between work and play, your serious attitude might have a detrimental effect on office morale. Lighten up: throw a pizza party or ice cream social to rally your staff.


Mostly B’s: The Dream Boss
You try to create a personal relationship with all your employees, but you still respect your role as boss. Keep up the good work!


Mostly C’s: You Could Have Your Own Sitcom on NBC
Everyone wants to be liked, but part of being boss means making difficult decisions. Don’t forget you’re the coach of your sales team, not the star shooter. Your antics are probably not funny to your staff. Take a more professional tact and embrace your role as a manager.

 
Luxury Brands
Lead Generator
Sales Incentive Programs - Sales Marketing Management Skills - Employee Motivation Articles
2nd Annual Brand Building For Banks & Financial Services Conference
Sept. 08 - Sept. 09, 2008
Chicago
, IL
With hundreds of financial institutions across North America and similar product offerings rolling out every day, consumers find themselves choosing banking services with nothing more than a gut feeling about a particular brand. In a world where similar bank services are extremely ubiquitous, how can one bank compete with another for customers? The struggle for uniqueness comes with an economic downturn in 2008. The credit crunch coupled with the wave of bank conglomerates will produce an environment in which branding executives will have to prioritize in order to keep their missions on track, their marketing budgets in line, and their customers confident. This premium marcus evans event will explore how to build brand strength through knowledgeable, executive-level speakers, and cutting-edge topics to stay ahead of the competition and increase sales revenues.

The Motivation Show
Sept. 23 - Sept. 25, 2008
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL
Attend The Motivation Show, where you'll find the world's largest collection of NEW ideas to improve performance, stimulate sales and reward service. Register online before Sept. 15 and your badge is just $20 ($40 at the door) at www.motivationshow.com.

Live Webcast: How Learning Management Solutions Help Meet Standards Body Compliance and Government Regulatory Requirements
Sept. 24 - Sept. 24, 2008
Online

Join Training Magazine on September 24th at 2pm EST for this free, live, interactive Web Seminar sponsored by Intelladon and hear from industry experts including a case study in the manufacturing sector, regarding how learning management solutions can help your organization maintain ISO compliance. Attend this online-only event and learn how new initiatives can help you track employee documentation to stay in compliance.

Sales & Marketing Management Virtual Trade Show
Oct. 02 - Oct. 02, 2008
Online

What are the technologies and business processes that will help your sales thrive in the new digital world? Get a real, in the field, look at the technologies and strategies you have been researching. Hear from our experts about the topics that will affect your planning. Meet virtually with different companies, ask questions and get the answers you need to make informed decisions. In conjunction with Sales & Marketing Management, this Virtual Trade Show will give sales and marketing executives the knowledge they need to evaluate a wide array of products, services, and solutions.

Training's Technology in Action Conference
Nov. 11 - Nov. 14, 2008
San Jose
, CA
Learn enterprise-level strategies and best practices for deploying effective learning technologies. Hosted by learning-tool research guru Bryan Chapman, attend to see award-winning learning—in action—first hand.

Training Magazine Institute 2008
Dec. 03 - Dec. 05, 2008
Buena Vista Palace Hotel and Spa
Orlando, FL
Training Magazine Institute brings you the most popular face-to-face skill-building certificate programs from Training magazine, including certificates for classroom training, e-learning, strategy building, and more.