Good managers should never forget that their success is due to the hard work and dedication of each department member. If they grow, your department grows, and you grow. BMETS particularly, are responsible for the success of any department and, in my experience, they are the best possible people to manage. They are well trained, they love what they do and they work hard to keep learning. They understand teamwork and the importance doing their best to perform to high standards. They seldom require supervision which makes a manager’s job very easy. Under these circumstances, what is a manager’s role? In my opinion the following should be the responsibilities and duties of every manager:
Always Act With Integrity
How you conduct yourself sets the tone for your department by providing an example for how all employees should act. The quality of the work produced in your department and the veracity of your reports depends 100% on the integrity of your technicians and how they do their job. C.S. Lewis has said that; “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching”. Because his words are especially applicable in a profession where BMETs perform most of their when no one is watching, it is important for you to lead by example.
Be a Leader
Good leaders get things done. They do not complain about how their administrators will not support them, but they figure out ways to make things happen. Good leaders plan ahead for their department and find ways to secure sufficient budgeted funds for training, tools and equipment so that department personnel can do their best work. In a crisis, they manage to stay cool and find the best possible solution.
Be a Good Listener
Always be willing to listen to employee’s issues and allow any member of your department to call for a meeting where you all can collectively discuss the issue and find a solution. Be certain to take the time to listen to any personal problems your employees may have. People with growing families are likely to have personal difficulties that may occasionally interfere with their ability to do their best work. Be willing to listen and understand their problems and make them aware of your support any personal or family services that the Human Resources Department may offer. Most importantly, you must always be discreet and never discuss your employees’ personal issues with others.
Encourage Professional Development
Always assist your employees in their professional development by encouraging growth through further education and certification. Seek out ways to assist them in obtaining funds for educational programs and lobby ceaselessly for specialized training dollars. Do not restrict your educational assistance to technical studies, but encourage them to grow by learning writing, speaking, financial, and management skills.
Be Sure to Say Thank You
Show that you care, by saying thank you in many ways. You can celebrate birthdays with a cake and candles or take the staff to lunch or dinner on Christmas. Getting together for an occasional Happy Hour at a local restaurant is a good way to say thank you in a non-business environment or to celebrate special achievement.
Give Employees a Voice in all New Hiring Decisions
When you hire a new employee, you are hiring a new team member who will be spending more time with the other staff members and BMETs than they will be spending with you. Your employees have the right to participate in deciding who they will be working with. Give them an opportunity to meet with and interview new candidates give them a voice in all hiring decisions.
