I have worked for many managers during my career and equally I have managed teams of people. What I have learnt is that many people think they are born managers whereas the art and style of good management is often one that has to be learned and studied in a good management training programme.

Those who are confident of their own natural management skills are often sadly deluded. They often keep themselves at a distance from their employees and are unapproachable. These are the type of people who believe that their employees have nothing to teach them and do not encourage them to make decisions or think for themselves.

At the other end of the scale though are those who use the latest management techniques and programmes by rote. They think that by rigidly applying the latest management school of thought they can succeed. They use buzz words and a more friendly and open style of management.

It is important though to strike a balance. Use your natural intuition and style, but learn from others where necessary. Never be afraid of your employees or their skills as everybody can learn from other people.

A good manager takes the talent of the whole team and applies it to work together for the good of the company while at the same time keeping the staff motivated. He does not hide behind a desk giving orders!