Four Functions of Management
If you have every been invited to someone’s home for a make-up party, Tupperware party, food party or any other kind of party where your friends were selling something you were not just a guest. They were recruiting you to be the next party manager. I fell into this trap before when my sister invited me to an Aloette cosmetic party. At the end of the party I agreed to be the manager of the next Aloette party. Being a manager involves four functions, planning, organizing, leading and controlling (Jones, 2007).
The planning process involved working with the hostess to determine when she could attend my make-up party. I wanted to set the day for the party when the largest amount of my friends could attend. Once I had determined the time and place for the party, then I had to consider who all would be invited. Once I got an estimate of how many quests would attend I began planning the refreshments I would provide.
After the planning process was complete I moved to the next function of a manager and began the organizing process. I began calling my friends to invite them to the party. I talked with different people who could provide chairs and an extra table. I also had to pick up food for the refreshments and find people who would be willing to assist with the refreshments. Once the organizing was complete I had to begin the leading function of a manager. This involves making plans and then motivating others to pursue it (Jones, 2007). As the day for the party arrived I talked to each person I had invited to ensure they would attend.
As the party started I began the controlling function of a manager. I checked with each quest to make sure they were comfortable. I monitored the room to ensure had refreshments. I also checked with each quest to see if they had any questions about the products which the hostess was not addressing. I also let the hostess know if quests had interest in certain products.
The party was fun. We had good food...