Part - I

Exceptional managers have that "special something" that sets them apart from the crowd. It's not as mysterious as it sounds. Most of the time, that "special something" is the sheer determination to maintain positive habits of success. Do you want to join the ranks of highly effective managers? You can start with these seven proven career-boosters.

1. Increase Your Self-Discipline

If you are like most people, you find it easy to do bang-up job when you are in high spirits. The real test comes when you are not feeling motivated or particularly energetic. Are these good enough reasons to snap at customers or behave like a nasty martyr at work? No!

As manager, like it or not, you are a role model. You set the standard when it comes to personal behavior, so make sure that standard is high. A moment of impulsiveness can tear down years of hard work when it comes to your career and reputation. According to Daniel Goleman, author of Working With Emotional Intelligence (Bantam Doubleday Dell, 2000), self-control reveals itself in the absence of emotional fireworks. The signs of self-control include "being unfazed under stress or handling a hostile person without lashing out in return."

2. Show Consistent Kindness

Good managers don't throw their weight around or rely on intimidation to get results. Do you? Any job - especially management positions - involves the support and assistance of others. You can't perform effectively as a one-man band. Thus, it is foolish to burn bridges and alienate co-workers.

And, whether you need them or not, treating others poorly will affect your self-esteem. Can you feel good about yourself if you are upsetting or neglecting others? If you don't feel good about yourself, how effective can you be?

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* Kathy Simmons is the claims and administration director at Canada Life Assurance Company in Atlanta.