MANAGING PEOPLE

MANAGING PEOPLE 

This brief may be of interest to a prime-minister, a chief executive of a large size body of people, chief secretary of a province, or any public administrator. It could be of help to those entrusted with making public policies and translating these into execution. Some simple looking things become difficult and very complex to handle. Of course over-simplification and trying to keep things simple, can add to the complexities. In this title managing is written first. And if we shift the focus from management to ‘people’, then please be ready for any level of misinterpretations, kinks, misunderstandings, twists, and unresolved errors of history. We could end up with misleading adage like national character.  Many a principles and generalizations can fail, only to advise, that every human being is unique, therefore, handle each one of the piece uniquely! Who can do that, and how to do that? It is not possible when handling a populace. Let us proceed and to end the brief exercise to manage managing people through setting a set of paradigm. We can name these as hypotheses. One over riding clause, all below is in the context of us; the Pakistanis and those who rule them. If you let me substitute, the phrase of managing with ruling.

Ø  People of this country are poor; they would work and stay on for the money. So manage them by exploiting their poverty.

Ø  There are no jobs; private enterprise may not be the tradition and popular customarily. So they would accept any job and any where, so fear of losing the job would help them manage easily.

Ø  While I do business in SITE Karachi, group A and B are apart a dividing gulf. They fear each other and harbor deep prejudices. Keeping the divide alive and exploiting, when needed could easily help me to manage them.

Ø  Self-actualization and excellence are the prime motivators for superior results. Make the conditions conducive for the people to achieve their goals. They can do wonders on their way to lead and excel.

Ø  Creativity is a god-given gift to mankind. Only He knows how creative an individual is. To be able to explore the next fold, solve the next step, and to do what others could not do in the past will help manage the people a great deal.

Ø  I must manage only myself. My person is the hub of all concerns and successes.  If I can safeguard my interests, wrestle through these road blocks and elbow out my way, I have managed everything. This is the whole world about, why bother for others. No one bother for others.

Ø  There is always a boss. I must learn to manage him or her. Once he or she is done with then nothing stops me. This province is mine and who cares how long the load is shedding, and how long is the queue at CNG stations.

I am not going to give any judgment on either of these. You are the best judge and the evaluator. Just a lead; what do public leaders and civil servants do? Could one of these be rated as best or prioritized from one to seven? Will a combination of these give best results? And last add one more hypothesis!