Characteristics of A Successful Manager
Melissa Burton
Northwestern State University

Characteristics of A Successful Manager
Since the working world continually changes, the standards and features of the managers who are leading companies also change. In this age, work is not the same as it used to be in the past, we are experiencing substantial differences in both conducts and technology not only within our individual lives but in our professional lives as well. It does not mean that if the managers in the past were successful, they will be successful in the future as well. In today’s advanced and fast world, I have to know the characteristics that would help me to be a successful manager.
First, I took the 16 Personalities test to find out what type of personality I have. My personality is ISJT – Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging (“The Logistician”) (16 Personalities, 2015). This test was dead on. It stated that my primary mode of living is focused internally, where I take things in via my five senses in a literal, concrete fashion (16 Personalities, 2015). My secondary mode is external, where I deal with things rationally and logically (16 Personalities, 2015). These characteristics alone will always lead me to do what is right all the time whether pertaining to work or my everyday life.
I have a strongly-felt internal sense of duty, which gives me the motivation to follow through on tasks (16 Personalities, 2015). Other characteristics for me is that I am very loyal, faithful, and dependable. I place great importance on honesty and integrity. Being a senior leader in the Army, I believe in laws and traditions and expect the same from the soldiers and civilians that I supervise. Also, I believe that things should be done according to procedures and plans.
Learning that my personality is ISTJ, I understand now why more and more work gets piled on me. I will never quit and will always follow through with any tasks that is assigned to me. I often have had to work long hours and sometimes taken advantage of because of my dedication to duty. The soldiers see how I perform throughout the day and ask questions. They follow my pattern and try to do their best to accomplish things in the manner that I do. This makes me very proud to know that I have had an impact on them trying to do what is right all the time.
The personality test also showed me that I am a no none sense type of person. I will not put energy into things which don’t make sense. I prefer to work along, but work well in teams when the situation demands it (16 Personalities, 2015). I am accountable for all of my actions and enjoy being in a position of authority.
One issue that I am working on is trying to be in tune with the feelings of other. I have difficulty picking up on emotional needs of my soldiers and civilians. I stay out of other people’s business. If they don’t let me know of an issue, I don’t know they are having problems. I have to always remind myself to pat my employees on their back once in a while to let them know that I truly do care, but by nature, I don’t show it.
Other important characteristics I must possess is to be up to the date with technology, have a great attitude, be transparent, demonstrate maturity, remain flexible,