Mark's Mangement journal

  This week I learned how important planning is for managers. Planning helps set clear goals so everyone knows what the organization is working toward. I noticed that goals can be big, long-term ones or smaller, day to day ones, but both are needed to keep things moving in the right direction. I also realized that planning gives people direction, but it has to stay flexible because things can always change. Another key point was about strategy. Strategy is about finding the best way for a company to compete and succeed. I learned that managers look at both strengths inside the company and challenges outside, like competitors or changes in the market. Even the best strategy does not matter if it isn't put into action, so communication and teamwork are just as important as the plan itself. At my dealership job, I see small examples of this. managers set daily sales goals (short-term planning), but they also think about long-term strategy, like how to attract new customers and compete...

  This week I learned about how much the external environment affects managers. Things like customers, competitors, suppliers, and even the economy all play a big role in how companies make decisions. I realized managers have to be flexible, because the environment can change quickly and bring uncertainty. Another important point was about corporate culture inside a company. A strong culture can bring people together and guide their behavior, while a weak one can make things harder for managers. Symbols, stories, and values really shape how employees see their workplace. Chapter 4 also showed me the importance of global management. Companies today almost always deal with other countries, so managers need to understand different cultures and ways of doing business. I think having a global mindset is just as important as knowing the business itself. At my dealership job, I see some of these ideas in action. The way managers handle customers and motivate employees is sha...

 Week ending: Sept 7, 2025 Post Content: This week I learned about the four core functions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. I found it interesting how management today focuses more on teamwork, collaboration, and adapting to change compared to the older, more rigid approaches. In my workplace at the dealership, I see management in action when coordinating with different departments—good communication and organization make a big difference. It reminds me of the “human skills” managers need to keep teams motivated while still meeting business goals. I also read about the evolution of management thinking, from scientific management to modern approaches that value innovation and people. This helped me realize that effective management is about balance—using structure and efficiency while also supporting employees and creativity.