What does it take to become a Top Manager?

I had the privilege of interviewing Akhtar Hussain, the Managing Director of Nightingale Hospital a private psychiatric hospital in Central London. I asked Akhtar how one can become a better manager.

Akhtar started by saying that “ Whatever position/role you hold in any organisation, you must look towards the benefit of being in that role. Every single role has something positive about it which you can learn and get the most value from a role is important. Do not despise small beginnings and be patient. Every job has meaning and adds value to the wellbeing of the organisation.

I used to do paper rounds as a school student to junior retail jobs during my studies. I always made sure I took at least one new Skill from each job as well as improve any existing ones. I often hear people say I am not doing this extra task as I am not being paid to do it.

We at Business Digest Magazine strongly recommend a change to this approach, use it as an opportunity to learn a new skill to evidence to the company you are competent in this. You will be in a much stronger position to negotiate a salary increase as well as develop new skills. What I can say is that I learned so many transferable skills through all my roles. I think one of the most important attributes one can have is the ability and willingness to learn. As a manager sometimes, you always feel pressured to have all the answers.

It is important to remember that you will not always have the answer and it is ok to go away and come back with solutions. A good leader and manager can accept they will always learn from others as well as being decisive when required to do so. ” Akhtar also touched on another insightful value of humility. ‘ Humility is important at work and in life. It allows you to bring others into your space and hear something different. ’ Among other insights that Akhtar shared were vision, organisational culture, change management, and leadership skills being important to young managers.

Akhtar articulated on the necessity of converting company values to operationally viable processes. His leadership style is facilitative. Akhtar believes in mentoring others as a way to support and develop junior staff and he is also mentored by someone else. “ I asked Akhtar about his life purpose. My life purpose is to help those that are around me to fulfil their life objectives both in my professional life and personal life ”.