Strategies for Managers of Future (Heller, 1997)

Robert Heller was a British management journalist, author, and editor known for his work in business management and leadership. In his book “In Search of European Excellence” (1997), Heller identifies ten key strategies for the new generation of managers to help them navigate the evolving business landscape:

1. Develop leadership: Managers should focus on developing strong leadership skills, including effective communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. They need to inspire and guide their teams towards achieving organizational goals.
2. Drive radical change: Managers must be prepared to drive and adapt to significant changes in the business environment. They should proactively identify new opportunities, embrace innovation, and manage the challenges that come with change.
3. Reshape culture: Organizational culture is crucial for employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall success. Managers must work to create a positive culture that aligns with the organization’s values, encourages collaboration, and supports employee well-being.
4. Divide to rule: Effective delegation and empowering team members are essential for managers. By identifying individual strengths and assigning responsibilities accordingly, they can ensure their teams work together efficiently and effectively.
5. Ensure the competitive edge: Managers must constantly seek ways to improve their organization’s products, services, and processes to stay ahead of the competition. Embracing new technologies, staying informed about industry trends, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement are vital.
6. Manage the motivators: Understanding and managing factors that motivate employees is critical for driving high levels of performance and job satisfaction. Catering to both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, such as providing opportunities for growth, offering recognition, and creating a sense of purpose, is important.
7. Ensure team working: Building strong, collaborative teams is essential for achieving organizational success. Managers should foster a culture of teamwork, provide opportunities for team development, and address any conflicts or issues that may arise within the team.
8. Achieve Total Quality Management (TQM): TQM is an approach to management that focuses on continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and organizational excellence. Managers should implement TQM principles, such as process optimization and performance measurement, to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality products and services.
9. Embrace globalization: Managers must recognize and adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by globalization. This includes understanding diverse markets, managing cross-cultural teams, and leveraging global resources to remain competitive.
10. Develop a learning organization: To stay relevant and successful, managers should focus on building learning organizations that continuously acquire and share knowledge. This involves creating an environment that encourages learning, fostering innovation, and investing in employee development.

By adopting these ten key strategies, managers can better navigate the challenges of the future business environment and lead their organizations to long-term success.