The Most Effective General Managers
From: Mr Xolani Xulu Master in Business Administration Student
A REPORT ON THE MOST EFFECTIVE GENERAL MANAGERS
1. Executive summary
According to Boyer and Associates (2010), a General Manager (GM) “is not a job but a position”. He further states that a GM is a focal point and has the authority to impact immediately any area of a business. This tells us that such a position must be occupied by someone that has relevant experience, the right attitude and necessary skills to make a positive contribution.
It is therefore crucial to understand the characteristics to look for when employing a GM. In this report, your attention will be drawn to the most relevant characteristics to be possessed by a GM.
2. Research findings
Two of your GMs were interviewed as part of the research. One was from the Pietermaritzburg sub-cluster and the other one in Durban sub-cluster. The survey was also extended to the Public Sector and the Non-profit Organizations in order to get a bird’s eye view in the matter. The research findings were, among others, as follows:
* The adverts of the GM posts have many gaps that need to be addressed.
* There is no plan to identify existing potential and talent.
* The recruitment and selection process also not comprehensive.
* Shortcomings were identified with one of the GMs I interviewed.
* More research findings attached for your perusal as Appendix 1.
3. How to find the most effective General Managers
Christ, S. (2011) states that successful restaurant GMs combine management skills and culinary knowledge. GMs do not need to be experts of everything. However, they should have the understanding and knowledge of all functions they manage. The most appropriate characteristics that one needs to possess, in order to be an effective GM, are as follows:
4.1. Experience
* Must have 5 years experience as a Store Manager and a 3 year track record of establishing
A REPORT ON THE MOST EFFECTIVE GENERAL MANAGERS
1. Executive summary
According to Boyer and Associates (2010), a General Manager (GM) “is not a job but a position”. He further states that a GM is a focal point and has the authority to impact immediately any area of a business. This tells us that such a position must be occupied by someone that has relevant experience, the right attitude and necessary skills to make a positive contribution.
It is therefore crucial to understand the characteristics to look for when employing a GM. In this report, your attention will be drawn to the most relevant characteristics to be possessed by a GM.
2. Research findings
Two of your GMs were interviewed as part of the research. One was from the Pietermaritzburg sub-cluster and the other one in Durban sub-cluster. The survey was also extended to the Public Sector and the Non-profit Organizations in order to get a bird’s eye view in the matter. The research findings were, among others, as follows:
* The adverts of the GM posts have many gaps that need to be addressed.
* There is no plan to identify existing potential and talent.
* The recruitment and selection process also not comprehensive.
* Shortcomings were identified with one of the GMs I interviewed.
* More research findings attached for your perusal as Appendix 1.
3. How to find the most effective General Managers
Christ, S. (2011) states that successful restaurant GMs combine management skills and culinary knowledge. GMs do not need to be experts of everything. However, they should have the understanding and knowledge of all functions they manage. The most appropriate characteristics that one needs to possess, in order to be an effective GM, are as follows:
4.1. Experience
* Must have 5 years experience as a Store Manager and a 3 year track record of establishing