In the course, Principles of Management, I learned how to think like a manager. Managers coordinate people, efforts, and events so that resources can be utilized efficiently. Management incorporates communication, creating a healthy work environment, decision-making, and being a role model.  The knowledge I gained in the course directly affected my leadership skills as captain of the USC Beach Volleyball Team. As captain, I experienced the complexity of managing and leading a group of student-athletes. I have learned that the best decision is not always the most popular one amongst the group. 

         Effectively managing communication between team members is similar to managing employees. Using the artifact, Principles of Management notes, I learned the importance of communication, knowing your employees, and creating a healthy work environment. The amount of work a manager accomplishes is not always a priority;  however, it is extremely important as a leader to focus on the happiness of the staff. A happier staff produces a productive work environment and help create a successful company. As a captain, it was a priority to communicate with each player to ensure she was enjoying her experience as a student-athlete and was recognized for her commitments to the team. Each player questions, ideas, and concerns are given serious consideration and timely responses. Transparency is a part of the team culture.  Communication resulted in an positive team atmosphere, which increased our ability to be successful. We won twice as many matches as the previous season. A happy team that works together is often successful on and off the scoreboard.

           There are exceptions to ensuring that all your employees are happy. Managers often have to objectively implement rules and follow through with hard consequences for the health of the business. When employees feel a manager cares about the success of the company and its legacy, they work harder. As captain, my role and relationships with teammates changed. The artifact labeled, Captain Experience, explains an decision I had to make that could affect my friendships with teammates; however, my first priority was the team. Before the most important match of year, teammates broke a team rule on social media. I had to communicate effectively and follow through with appropriate consequences. Allowing the girls to compete was not fair to the rest of the team and could have decreased team morale. When an athlete wears a jersey, she is representing herself, the team, the coaches, and university. As captain, I wanted what is best for the team, program, and reputation. Doing what was best for the team threatened my relationship with my close teammates; however, in the long run making that choice factored in our team’s success.

            As a manager, it is important to set schedules and goals, avoid procrastination, and be productive. As captain, it was important for me to exhibit these behaviors. I had to balance practice, training, competition, travel schedule, academics, individual time with teammates, and weekly meetings with the coaches. If I expected another teammate to keep a high GPA while playing at a competitive level, I had to as well. Leading by example allowed me to gain respect of my teammates. Effective managers live out the advice and motivation they offer to the team. For example, the manager should be the first person to arrive at work and the last to leave.  As a captain, I was the first person at practice helping set up the courts, and I was the last person to leave after putting back the equipment. Employees realize when a manager is going the extra mile to effectively meet goals. As a captain, my teammates and coaches noticed and acknowledge my effort to be a great captain. This gained the respect of everyone on the team, including the support staff.

            Principles of Management not only taught me about management of a business but also how to effectively lead a team. Creating a healthy team atmosphere, making challenging decisions for the sake of the team, and striving to lead by example are difficult. However, the outcome of these experiences is rewarding.