In an Information technology firm, management plays a critical role. Although the managers are not involved directly in the development and maintenance of software, their contribution to the success of the firm cannot be overlooked. The managers have the responsibility of developing and implementing the company’s goals and strategies. The direction the firm takes and the vision that drives the company is defined by the management. I was able to experience the role played by managers in an IT company as an intern for several months. During the internship I worked under Mr. Joseph, where I learned many valuable lessons that I have applied in my career. Among the things I learned was the art of excellent communication, effective leadership skills such as the technique of resolving workplace conflicts peacefully and flexibility.
As an excellent communicator, Mr. Joseph was able to manage several teams effectively. He not only passed across his points with remarkable precision but was also very skilled in the art of negotiation. Effective communication requires one to be a careful listener (Dewan & Myatt, 2) which I saw practiced very well by Mr. Joseph. As a manager, he provided constructive feedback to his team members consistently. It was through these communications that we were able to develop ourselves as well as learn what was expected of us. Although he believed in open communication, Mr. Joseph was not a push over. It was through him that I learned the importance of creating the balance of being approachable yet not a push over. His different communication techniques are what have helped me develop effective communication skills.
Finally, Mr. Joseph was a courageous and objective leader. On the few occasions when there were conflicts amongst the team members, he was able to resolve them peacefully. He was able to patiently listen to both sides of the argument despite the volatility of the situation. His ability to remain impartial had caused him to gain respect and trust from his employees. He taught me the importance of respecting other people’s feelings by being sensitive to current happenings. I have applied the things I learned from my mentor, and they have helped me excel in my career even when working with difficult and diverse people. I am now flexible in my day to day work life because he showed me the importance of the quality. Also, I always approach situations in a proactive manner instead of being reactive which I learned from my mentor.
Work Cited
Dewan Torun & David Myatt. The Qualities of Leadership: Direction, Communication, and Obfuscation. London: The London School of Economics and Political Science, 2008. Web.07 Sep.2016.
