Ok...Let's discuss what we think helps make us a great manager...rather than mediocre!! Ian, on another thread described the "isolation" we can all feel at our jobs...especially the middle of the month!!!! What helps you be the best??!!

Personally, I want to start this off about the camaraderie between all the members on SST. This camaraderie lifts us up on days that we feel like we've "fallen between the cracks"! When my day is just so-so....the phone calls dwindling...I log-on & read a funny anecdote, or read tales from the trenches & realize my worse days could be oh, so much worse!!!!

Geraldine's tale of her gophers.....just reading about other managers who go through the same frustrations you do...or find remedies for problems you have at your site!

I believe I'm a much better manager because of all I've learned on SST, and because it has helped me stay positive at my job. I've read of mgrs in much worse situations...and while all of us would like the ideal job...(Lisa and Wayne have found theirs!)....for right now...some of us appreciate right where we are!!

I can't talk to family members like I can forum members about my job frustrations...cuz unless you've been there...you just don't "get it"!!!

Thanks to everyone who makes this site possible....and to all who made our freedom of speech possible!! (steps down from soapbox!)

Will be interested in hearing what makes everyone the best they can be!

Pat
High Point, NC

Say nothing about not wanting to burden your family... I try very hard to leave work at work.

What gets the best output out of me is knowing that I'm making a difference, and knowing I"m not a total klutz. Certainly a sense of ownership assists with a higher desire to have decent output. I'll try to compile a list of things that improve morale and boost my performance. Somthing to think about while I'm cleaning these trucks.

The forum does assist with that, but for me also doubles as a sounding board (as you suggested). This sounds funny, but I see this board as creating it's own microcosum that has potential to spread to the real world. I find this a very comforting social experiment.

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Consistency- It's only a virtue if you're not a screwup

Problem is you CAN'T MAKE A GREAT MANAGER ---- you either have it or you don't.

I have worked for many people who thought they were great managers.

SST is one of the greatest tools I have ever found to make me a better storage manager - not only for the advice and information I have found here, but for the friendship.

I know that if I am having a rough day (which there have been more of lately with the horrible economy in this area) I know I can come here and find something to cheer me up!

I also know that ISS magazine and all the fantastic people behind it are there with insightful information and great articles (really I do read it for the articles!!! ).

Do I feel that I am a GREAT MANAGER - no, but everyday I do my best to be better.

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Wayne
Jamestown, ND


All arguments can be resolved ... with high explosives and Humor!!!

I agree with Wayne on this. You can't make a great manager. I know that back at band camp, they tried, but some things just can't be done.

You have to love what you do to be a great manager, not just show up to work and put in the hours.

Management means some many different things. You can't be afraid of making a decision. You have to have flexibility, and good people skills. I have thought for years that I can train a manager if they have the ability to deal with people. That is the only thing you can't train.

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Bob Taylor (Astro)
Blue Ridge Self Storage
Cashiers, NC

Disclaimer: What Gina said....'cause the the cheese fell of my cracker.

Attitude, nuff said.

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Mel Holsinger, President
Professional Self Storage Management, LLC
3434 E. Kleindale Ste. E
Tucson, AZ 85716
O: 520.320.9135
F: 520.320.9435
www.proselfstorage.com

The things that tend to optimize my performance in list form:

1. Recongnition of the menial stuff. Sweeping the lot is tough work in the heat. It's not like I have a machine doing it. That doesn't even cover the mowing, gutter cleaning, etc.
2. Openess. If something is bugging my owners regarding the property, or shop, I want to know. While they may not think so, I may be able to help in some way. The better they're doing, the better I'll do. This helps to facilitate good timing for rate increases, advertising....
3. Ability to have a sense of ownership. I know this sounds funny, and I've not had to really deal with it. Imagine if how little a manager would care if he were not allowed to take pride in the work he/she is doing.
4. From a psychological standpoint, people perform best when their base needs are met. (Meaning they don't have to worry about housing, food, and health. Not frills, just the essentials) Google up Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs for a detailed explaination of the concept, I'm not going to rehash it, and yes, it does have its' critics.

Those are just things I think help make a better manager. Morale is a very important thing. Like everybody said, you can't make one. There has to be a certain skill set already there, but you can prevent a decent manager from becoming terrible. You can also give a decent manager a drive to try and become a great manager.

__________________
Consistency- It's only a virtue if you're not a screwup