Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/599904
22 / NOVEMBER.DECEMBER.2015 RINKMAGAZINE.COM 5. Professional Behavior Even After Hours When interacting with staff, are you a professional? It's difficult to be the boss when you are known to be at happy hour with your team until last call. No, there is no reason you cannot socialize with your staff, but being in a social situation with alcohol being con- sumed can open up plenty of troubles for a manager. How easy is it to be the boss to your drinking buddy? Not to mention other uncomfortable or legally trouble- some situations that can occur anytime alcohol is involved. When out with staff, a manager should usually be there long enough to buy the first round or appetizers for the table and be on their way. No one wants to hang out with their boss all the time—even if you are the "cool boss." Enjoy a drink or two, side-table the shop talk and use it as an opportunity to get to know some of your employees on another level while main- taining a professional demeanor. When you are out with a customer, gov- erning board or other professionals, it is also important to mind your manners and guard your reputation. Like when out with employees, make sure you are not the guy slamming beers and ordering shots. Enjoy a beer and use it as a time to get to know these people in your industry. If you pres- ent yourself as sociable and professional, it's likely that they will be willing to con- tinue doing business with you. 6. Public Speaking Poise Public speaking is like rid- ing your bike: it takes some people longer to master than others, and the more you do it, the easier it becomes. In our industry, while public speaking may not be the biggest part of your job, there is still an element of it that you should be aware of. You may have to speak to a board about your budget, a major repair or selling them on an innovative idea. In order to present well, you need to practice. If you can practice in the venue where you are planning to speak, that is the best. When speaking, be aware of the time you have to present. That means time yourself. Also, do the best you can to anticipate questions. Do you have a CFO on your board? You are going to need the bottom line for the budget or the return on invest- ment. Do you have an impassioned parent on the board? Then you are going to want to say how your idea will benefit the kids. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ISTOCKPHOTO TAKE THE TIME TO BE YOURSELF WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS— IT WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER MANAGER IN THE LONG RUN. Model Manager