UK: IM SOUNDING BOARD - THE VIEW FROM THE 21ST CENTURY.

Dear 20th century manager,

Let me tell you straight away, the principles of good management are valued more than ever in the future. Your positive attitude and quest for a challenge are still required. However, there are some things you should know if you are to be a successful manager in the next century.

Firstly, if you believe that you will be staying with the same company for most of your career, think again. It is now common for managers to have about seven or eight major assignments during their careers. You will be very lucky to find a contract that offers more than a fixed five-year period. Even these contracts have large elements of performance-related pay. To qualify for some of the quite lucrative bonuses, managers are expected to meet specific, agreed targets of contribution which directly relate to the success of the organisation.