Selecting New Managers: Relationships

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Retail stores are a constant source of amazement for me. Why? Because so many retail companies are able to survive in spite of the seemingly haphazard way they approach the selection and training of their management level people. Though different retail companies have different ways of selecting management candidates, they seem to have one tendency in common: a complete lack of regard for how their management candidate interacts with other people.

Remember, part of a manager’s responsibility is leading their team, so the way people interact with their co-workers is an important consideration when selecting a management candidate. What are you looking for?

A good management candidate is one who relates well with their co-workers, but that doesn’t mean everyone likes them. A person who is universally popular many not be your best candidate because they may try to be all things to all people; which doesn’t work for a team leader. Instead, look for someone who treats others with respect and who doesn’t try to make him or herself look better at the expense of others.

New managers must gain the respect of the teams they lead. That’s easier to do if they have already developed a good working relationship with the people around them.