Merriam-Webster defines Management as: 

1. The act or art of managing the conducting or supervising of something (as a business)

2. Judicious use of means to accomplish an end

3. The collective body of those who manage or direct an enterprise

Management is the glue that holds our corporations and organizations together. Proper management makes the difference between successful enterprises and less successful ones. Lets look at the Merriam-Webster (M-W) definition in greater detail and discover what management really means to us in business and in life. 

1. The Act or Art of Managing the Conducting or Supervising of Something 

A management Act? I am sure that many of you see your managers “acting” during the execution of their duties, but this is not the point that M-W is making here. Instead the management act is a coordinated exercise involving numerous elements….people, projects, objectives, budgets, timelines to name a few. Management in its best form resembles a well orchestrated symphony. Thus the reference to M-W’s definition of management as an……art. Yes, management is an art form. One that you and others cans learn, enhance, practice, perfect, perform and instill. Management is all these things, and you can be a master of these management tools and skills. 

2. Judicious Use of Means to Accomplish an End 

Judicious in its own right is an interesting management concept. Using “sound judgment” is a management critical function. Therefore management is using good judgment in getting tasks accomplished. 

What defines good judgment versus bad judgment? Results. Well it is more involved than that, but long term “favorable” results are usually the result of good judgment. It holds up to the litmus test of time. Bad judgment may result in short term results, but they often fail the test of time. So, we know that in order to have good management traits we must be committed to judicious actions in order to see things through. 

3. The Collective Body of Those Who Manage or Direct an Enterprise 

The collective body is the team of management that directs an organization. Management is a team concept. Whether you are a manager, or you are under the direct influence of a member of management, you work with or around other managers to execute your business plan. 

In our discussions on the topic of Management, it will be our objective to help current managers become better managers, and future managers become prepared to be excellent managers. We will also look at poor management and even worse….bad management. In this world we live in….it will be important for us all to manage to accomplish the end. Lets all work together towards this goal! 

Give us your feedback, your insight and we want your stories, your management experiences and most importantly….your questions!

Keith