Management Material
Alicia Fraser // January 25, 2013
Let’s set the stage. You are a recent public relations graduate and you are offered two jobs: one is your dream job, and the other is slightly less appealing. The one catch to the dream job is that your manager seems like they’re an over-the-top, egotistical, and unsupportive human being. The other doesn’t have the work you’re passionate about, but it’s good enough, and your manager seems fantastic. Your options are A) you take the dream job and deal with an obnoxious manager or B) you take the job that may be slightly less than perfect but you are working for a great public relations manager. What do you do? It’s a tough decision to make, and many of us will run into this very situation. Key in this scenario is the public relations manager because, even if the work is fantastic, the skill of your manager can make or break your job experience.
So what makes a good public relations manager? In my opinion, the following five qualities are what you should look for.
- Trust. Most importantly, there should be a trusting relationship between a manager and his/her employees. A manager should be able to delegate tasks and projects without worrying whether or not they will be completed properly. Albeit, it is a manager’s job to ensure that things are completed to the highest possible standard, so a weekly check-in is completely appropriate and welcome. However, micro-managing or hand-holding is something to avoid if possible in a manager. You are not a baby; you are a young, competent professional, so don’t let anyone treat you otherwise.
- Respect. Almost as important as trust, there must be a commitment to act respectfully from both the manager and his/her employees. While it is fun to have a more personal and friend-like relationship, it is also important that the level of respect in the office is not diminished because of this relationship. This means that it may be okay to joke around at times, but please no name-calling: during office hours it is important to stay on task.
- Support. You go to your first big meeting at the company you are working for. Your manager does not back up a decision or statement that you have made. You are humiliated. While they may not always agree with your decision or statement, your manager should always be there to support you. Of course, there is a requirement that you actually back up what you are saying or doing. You don’t get to play the “well I’m new, so I didn’t know what I was doing” card.
- Constructive criticism. Okay superstar, you know everything and can do anything. I hate to break it to you, but even professionals who have been in public relations for years don’t know everything. However, if you have a boss willing and able to give constructive criticism you are already one step ahead of those with less-than-amazing managers. Just remember, constructive criticism is not a personal attack, it’s your manager’s chance to share the knowledge they have gained from their experiences in the industry.
- Creativity. If you are in public relations there should be some desire in you to work creatively. Nobody became successful doing the same things as everyone else. If you have a manager that is willing to take that extra step to be a little more creative, and to let you be a little more creative, you are going to have a much better experience at work. You’re going to be able to show your creative side more with a manager who appreciates it. So embrace your inner artist and make some public relations magic.
So there you have it. Five simple qualities in a manager that will help you grow and excel as a young professional. Remember, it is not only the organization, but the people who work within that organization who help shape your overall public relations career.
