Building and Managing Relationships

Consider the following thoughts from Henry Mintzberg, as he describes a common misconception about management:

“Folklore: Managing is mostly about hierarchical relationships between a ‘superior’ and ‘subordinates.’
Fact: Managing is as much about lateral relationships among colleagues and associates as it is about hierarchical relationships” (Mintzberg, 2011, p. 28-29).

The ability to build strong relationships at all levels is an important skill for a manager. It requires time, conscious effort, and a genuine concern for others. During this program, you have been introduced to a number of theories, practices, and techniques to assist you with relationship-building.

For this Discussion, you will review some of the key concepts and seminal ideas deliberated on in earlier courses and reviewed in this week’s Resources. As you formulate your answers, consider how your ideas have grown and evolved.

Now answer and address the following:

• Describe at least three specific examples of how you currently build and nurture professional relationships and how you will use these types of strategies to help you be a better manager and positively influence your career in the future.
• Why is the ability to build strong personal and professional networks important to a manager, and how will you continue to refine your skills in this area?
• How will these skills help you, as a manager, create or maintain a positive work environment?

Support your response by incorporating readings from this course, the program, and other credible resources. Be sure to provide appropriate citations and references that are consistent with APA guidelines.

References:

Mintzberg, H. (2009). Rebuilding companies as communities. Harvard Business Review, 87(7/8), 140–143.

Mintzberg, H. (2010). Managing on three planes. Leader to Leader, 2010(57), 29–33.

Gladwell, M. (2008). Haphazard hiring. Leadership Excellence, 25(6), 12.

Welch, L. (2010). The way I work. Inc., 32(1), 98–101.