Wherever two or more people are employed to work together, some form of management is required. This ensures that the established goals of the business are achieved and that there is an environment of cooperation. In modern companies, managers assume a variety of roles. They have to be facilitators for change, leaders, communicators and, if necessary, negotiators. They must steer their organization’s workforce through the working day, week or year, with the minimum of disruption and conflict.
When did ‘business management’ become important?
Although many eminent economists and innovators had written books about their craft during the late 1800s, it was not until the early part of the 1900s that business management was deemed a topic worthy of academic study. At this time, the most popular management ideas emerged from military operations and often focused on logistics as opposed to human resources.
However, the American industrialist Henry Ford was to revolutionize the workplace by ushering in an era of mass production and offering employees a generous wage. The role of managers as a factor in any productive workforce was soon recognized, and as the 20th century advanced, they came to occupy a distinct role.
Now, managers are key figures in any organization, be it a school, charity, hospital or multinational, but their roles have become more specialized. From financial management to human resource management, marketing and operations, the basic job title has evolved into a number of competencies.
Business manager or leader?
Many people see a contemporary business manager as a leader, but that is a broad term and encompasses a diverse set of skills. Primarily, it refers to an ability to inspire others and to communicate clearly while doing so. Managers must be prepared to liaise with every level of co-worker, from higher management and the board of directors, to employees on the shop floor. There is also a need for effective communication with competitors, suppliers and customers, all the while bearing in mind their company’s interests.
The best managers can change a company from within, by improving the department they are responsible for and having a lasting impact on day-to-day working practices. Here’s an example – one of our contacts, Bob Bratt.
With a 35-year career that spans many professional roles, Bob Bratt has a great deal of experience in managerial positions and now works as DLA Piper’s Chief Operating Officer. Bob’s career began at the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), where he soon began a modernization program; this enhanced the division’s IT resources and is still in effect today. Within six years, Bob progressed to the role of Executive Officer for the Criminal Division of the DOJ. During his eight-year tenure, Bob wiped out the deficit he had inherited and oversaw a 30% reduction in expenditure for non-personnel services. Bob is a notable figure in business law and has received many accolades, including an Award for Excellence from the American Bar.
Takeaway
Business managers balance the needs and abilities of their team with the often results-driven demands of their organization. It’s a difficult and demanding role, but one that is key to the continued success of every busy workplace.
