UK Ferry Tickets How do you manage?

How do you manage?

When I worked at a certain newspaper, there was a climate of fear among the staff.

We were paid very well – above the average – but for that we were expected to perform. Those who didn’t, or those who did but just fell out of favour with the editor, were unceremoniously axed without a thought as to whether they had families to support or bills to pay.

I can remember reporters turning up for work and being surprised when they were summoned in to the editor’s office. Within 15 minutes they were leaving for the last time, armed with a pay off just big enough to prevent them taking the matter to court.

Now, if you read any of the dozens of management books available, they will tell you that this is totally the wrong way to run a business. A happy workforce will make for a successful company, they say. But here’s the rub: the paper was extremely successful and continued to prosper under that regime.

I heard the billionaire John Caudwell, who owns the majority of the mobile phones company, The Caudwell Group, talking about how to run a successful company. He said it was essential to pay staff well, to motivate them, and then expect results from them. He also has a reputation for being a hard task master, although I have no evidence that his staff are unhappy.

What’s your view on how to manage? Do you run your own company and, if so, what is your philosophy? If you work for someone, what are they like and do they bring the best out of you? Will people accept tough working conditions in return for a fat salary?

I think it’s a fascinating area and I’d love to know your views – I’ll keep your names out of the newsletter, if you wish.

Guest Article by Jeremy Skidmore