National Managers Day

A cheerful and appreciative scene featuring a manager surrounded by a team of smiling employees, all holding coffee mugs and cheerful signs. The manager is wearing a professional outfit, with a quirky tie or a colorful scarf to show their personality. The office setting is vibrant and filled with plants and motivational posters. The team is gathered around a table that has a cake with the words 'Happy National Managers Day' written on it.. — National managers day illustration

What's that I hear? Another desk calendar holiday to celebrate? Jazz hands at the ready, because it's National Managers Day - the unsung heroes of the workplace world. Forget Captain America or Wonder Woman, these organizational mavens are the real lifesavers, without the spandex!

When is Managers Day?

It's national managers day on the 7th September.

A Brief History

With our trusty internet archives in tow, we uncovered the first significant mention of National Managers Day on the 7th of September, 2015. How's that for a throwback? Were you even aware of it? Well, it's about time we accord these masters of organization, planning, and delegation the recognition they deserve!

Celebrating National Managers Day

A day dedicated to showering your management with compliments seems a no-brainer, considering the heaping amount of responsibility on their shoulders. So, how do we stay on point, like our beloved managers, and celebrate this day? Well, it's simple! Share a cheerful post, give them a shout-out in your daily team meetings or if you want to go all 'Employee of the Month,' get them a witty coffee mug or a comfy neck pillow - because 'rest' is somehow never on their meeting agendas, right?

Managers Unplugged

A fun idea could be throwing a Managers Unplugged event! How about a day where managers can relax sans their work gear: no emails, no meetings, just good old-fashioned fun activities like reconnecting with their inner Monet in a painting class, or exploring their culinary skills in a cook-off competition.

The Impact

However you decide to celebrate National Managers Day, know this – you'll be contributing to a brighter, happier workplace. When managers feel appreciated, productivity increases because, after all, a happy manager means a happy team!

History behind the term 'Managers'

1598

Origins in French

The term 'managers' originated from the French word 'manageur' which referred to individuals who were responsible for controlling and organizing the affairs of a business or estate.

1793

The birth of modern management

The term 'managers' originates from the 18th century, with its roots in the Industrial Revolution. In 1793, a Scottish economist named Adam Smith published 'The Wealth of Nations,' which laid the foundation for modern management theory. Smith recognized the importance of specialization and division of labor in improving productivity. This influential work set the stage for the emergence of managers as a distinct role in society.

1400

Emergence of Mercantile Practices

During the 15th century, the burgeoning trade and commerce across Europe led to the emergence of a new class of individuals known as 'managers.' These managers were responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of businesses, handling finances, making business decisions, and supervising employees.

1740

Evolution in English

The French term 'manageur' gradually transformed into the English word 'manager' around the year 1740. Initially, it was used to describe individuals involved in the management of theatrical productions.

1750

Industrial Revolution and Managerial Hierarchy

The Industrial Revolution, starting in the mid-18th century, brought profound changes to the world of work. As factories and industries grew, the need for more efficient management became apparent. This led to the establishment of a hierarchical managerial structure, with managers overseeing different departments, allocating resources, and ensuring smooth production processes.

1886

Scientific management takes off

The term 'managers' gained further prominence in the late 19th century with the advent of scientific management. Frederick Winslow Taylor, an American engineer, introduced a systematic approach to improving productivity in industrial settings. Taylor's ideas emphasized efficiency, standardization, and close supervision of workers. This led to the increased need for individuals who could oversee and coordinate the work of others, hence the rise of managers.

1911

Administrative management theory

In 1911, French industrialist Henri Fayol published a groundbreaking book called 'Administration Industrielle et Générale' (Industrial and General Administration). Fayol's work focused on the principles and functions of management. He highlighted key managerial activities such as planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling. Fayol's ideas laid the foundation for administrative management theory, further solidifying the importance of managers in organizations.

1880

Scientific Management Principles

In the late 19th century, Frederick Winslow Taylor pioneered the concept of scientific management. Taylor emphasized the optimization of workflow through time and motion studies, standardization of processes, and selection of the best workers for specific tasks. This marked a significant development in the evolution of managerial practices, driving efficiency and productivity improvements.

1854

Emergence in Business

In 1854, the term 'manager' gained prominence in the business world. It started being widely used to designate individuals responsible for overseeing and directing the operations of companies and organizations.

1910

Rise of Professional Management

Around the early 20th century, the field of management began to be recognized as a distinct profession. Universities started offering courses in business administration, and institutions like Harvard Business School played a pivotal role in shaping the profession. This shift marked the formalization of managerial knowledge and the emergence of a professional class of managers.

1891

Scientific Management

The concept of scientific management, pioneered by Frederick Winslow Taylor, became influential in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This further solidified the role of managers as professionals who utilize scientific methods to optimize productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

1916

The birth of middle management

The term 'middle management' was coined in 1916 by James Mooney and Alan C. Reiley, who were influential management consultants at that time. They identified middle managers as a vital link between top-level executives and frontline employees. Middle managers play a crucial role in implementing the strategies of top management while overseeing the work of subordinates. This new term underscored the hierarchical structure of organizations and the need for a managerial layer in between.

Mid-20th Century

Expansion of Managerial Roles

During the mid-20th century, the role and responsibilities of managers expanded beyond operations and administration. They began to play a crucial role in strategic planning, decision-making, and leading teams. This shift allowed managers to have a more significant impact on organizational success.

1940

Expansion of Management Theory

In the mid-20th century, management theory witnessed significant expansion with the contributions of notable scholars like Peter Drucker and Douglas McGregor. Drucker's concepts of management by objectives and the knowledge worker further advanced the understanding of effective managerial practices. McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y highlighted the importance of employee motivation and management styles.

1954

The rise of managerialism

The 1950s marked a shift in the perception and role of managers. The term 'managerialism' gained prominence, referring to the ideology that placed managers at the center of decision making and control within organizations. This era witnessed a growing belief that effective management is essential for organizational success. The rise of managerialism solidified the importance of managers, not only as overseers but also as strategic thinkers and leaders.

1990

Transformation in Managerial Roles

The rapid technological advancements and globalization in the late 20th century reshaped the role of managers. With the advent of information technology, managers started handling vast amounts of data and faced new challenges related to decision-making, innovation, and adapting to a dynamic business environment. The focus shifted from traditional hierarchical control to collaborative leadership and strategic thinking.

1980s

Managerial revolution in Japan

The 1980s witnessed a significant managerial revolution in Japan, known as 'The Miracle at Sony.' Japanese companies such as Sony, Toyota, and Honda became global leaders in their industries, largely due to their effective management practices. This revolution highlighted the importance of managerial competence, continuous improvement, and employee involvement. The term 'managers' gained international recognition as Japan's success sparked interest and admiration worldwide.

Present Day

Modern Management

In modern times, the term 'managers' encompasses a wide range of professionals across various industries and sectors. They are responsible for coordinating and guiding teams, implementing organizational policies, and achieving business objectives. The role has become multidimensional, requiring a combination of leadership, communication, and technical skills.

Did you know?

Did you know that the 7th of September, the most cited day for National Managers Day, is also national 'salami day'? It seems the internet decided to celebrate loaded sandwiches and loaded responsibilities on the same day!