As head of marketing at MSIG Insurance (Hong Kong), Angela Chan espouses teamwork and staff engagement in her everyday work. She believes this approach helps to set good objectives for projects and contributes to her being a good middle manager.
'I set the overall directions initially and then leave my team members to flesh out the details,' she said. 'Later we will meet to discuss the ideas they have come up with at brainstorming sessions.'
With teamwork and team-building being major components of the corporate culture of MSIG, a provider of general insurance, the open-plan design of its office encourages staff to have informal discussions.
Ms Chan relies on regular informal communication with team members. Through staff engagement, she believes she can lead the effective setting of short- to mid-term objectives in line with corporate goals and the personal interests of team members.
'I prefer this more free-hand approach. Its major advantage is that it helps nurture the independent thinking of team members. It is a great learning experience,' she added.
Because the team members are involved in the setting of objectives that are aligned with their personal interests and strengths, they will become highly motivated in their pursuit of goals and are more likely to succeed. 'This helps heighten the motivation of staff when they achieve their goals. It also enables them to see their career development clearly,' she said.
'All staff want recognition. I delegate tasks to individual team members to fulfil their potential so that their contribution to the company is recognised.'
