As a manager, are you the boss you hated the most or the one you loved?
Robert Beezat, the author of “Character Based Management,” described to the Waunakee Rotary at their March 15 meeting how one’s character affects the person’s management style.
“Our behavior reflects our character,” Beezat said.
After several years of studying the question, he asked people to describe their worst bosses. They often said those bosses don’t listen, can’t be trusted and are demeaning.
Bosses express their disrespect in different ways. In pre-computer times, they shuffled papers around; later they glanced at their computer; today, they look at their phones. All are indications at that you are less important than their other preoccupations.
People describe their best bosses as honest, good communicators, respectful and supportive.
Defining character, Beezat said people with character behave in a way we find admirable and that promotes good outcomes. It’s a mixture what we know, believe, our philosophy and experiences.  
Management is about getting work done with and through others that you can’t do alone, Beezat said. It’s an art and science. Knowledge of the job is the science, and process and skills such a planning, coupled with behaviors encompasses virtue and values.
If you can improve your character, you’d achieve not only a better you, but greater productivity. Beezat said if your decisions are based on the outcome of the Rotary 4-Way Test, you’re probably exhibiting strong character.
He also provided 10 questions to ask yourself ranging from your listening skills, ability to involve employees in defining and solving problems, helping them grow and solve their problems, respectfulness and healthful lifestyle.
He encouraged Rotarians to work on any of those they feel the need to and to write a brief statement describing what you would do to be a better you.  

 

Other news:
-Linda Olson told the group – especially new Rotarians – to meet at Rex’s parking lot at 5:30 p.m. to travel to the Lake Wisconsin Country Club for the Lodi Rotary club smelt fry on March 21. If you miss that one, there’s another two weeks later.
–Lori Derauf said next year’s exchange student has been selected. She’s from Taiwan, and her American name is Jenny. She comes from a city of 2.7 million people, Lori said.

 

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Guests: Caitlyn Durden, guest of Pat Durden.    

Visiting Rotarians: Ingrid Kundinger, Downtown Madison.

Birthdays: March 23, Phil Simon; March 26, Ken Ballweg.

Anniversaries: None.