by Marcus Emery

Created on: July 07, 2009   Last Updated: July 11, 2009

Net profits and personnel satisfaction are your twin objectives.

That, to me, sums up the primary role of management at any level. People and money underpin an enterprise. All the gold in Fort Knox, left lying, accomplishes naught without its usage by people.

Why are we in business? This trick question used to be asked of prospective hires. The answer was: To make money. The second favorite: What is the most important piece of equipment on our premises? Answer: The cash register. I don't know of any applicants who came up with the desired replies the first time around.

Drucker's management books form the core of my Management Library. They, along with many others, are helpful. But all can be summed up in this: Manage money and people well.

The Bible is the very best management book I've ever consulted. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. Keep short accounts with all persons. Don't be a sluggard. These are just a few paraphrased examples among numerous admonitions on how to conduct business. If you have a copy, save the expense of buying contemporary advice.

How does a management person appear to fellow employees? Helpful, reasonable, clean and neat, understanding. What traits should be left behind? Vulgarity, gossip, spite, vanity, a superior air. Be the best you can be. It draws the best from others. Think of them in a friendly way, but don't push into a friendship past the working relationship.

There is a little word discernment that a manager must possess. It is not to be confused with judgment. Discernment means that you notice how someone is doing their job and how they feel about it. You also perceive that they have moods and which mood may be theirs at any given moment. Your judgment informs your reaction, if any.

Work and watch. When your fellows see that you work and get results, when they note that you are always aware of their work, their results; you will have their loyalty and respect. See that you maintain their goodwill by keeping on keeping on.

Money is elusive, both to gain and to account for. Each decision you make as a management person must factor in the cost, risk and potential gain, moneywise.

Accounting is paramount. At my first place of paid employment our branch office had a BPO (Branch Office Position) report daily. I believe that every enterprise, of whatever size, should follow this practice. It isn't how we feel we are doing that counts. It is that daily reality check that keeps our direction aligned toward net profit.

If a business is properly managed, there becomes no distinction between work and pleasure. Every day can be a pleasant day, a pleasant work day.

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