Managing Challenges

Simons, Joan (2013). Managing Challenges. In: MacKian, Sara and Simons, Joan eds. Leading, Managing, Caring. Abingdon: Routledge in association with The Open University.

URL: https://www.routledge.com/Leading-Managing-Caring-...

Abstract

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.(Martin Luther King, Jr, 1963, p. 79)
Managers working in health and social care today are expected to do more with less, and to be more efficient as well as more humane and ethical (Hatch and Cunliffe, 2006). Since 2006, the economic environment has worsened, making the challenges that leaders and managers face even harder. Such demands can easily lead to tension, conflict and challenges: for example, from an angry service user to a difficult member of staff, an increase in complaints, or a rise in accidents on a unit. Whatever the challenges are, managers are expected to know what to do and how to deal with each one in a way that will not only help to solve the problem but also involve ensuring it will not arise again (Figure 17.1).

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