The Manager

Fernie Ng, 23

Manager of Little Ice Cream Kafe (Katong)

Briefly describe your job responsibilities as a manager.

I handle the day to day operations of the business. Basically I manage the staff, ensure ample supply of ice cream, order the raw ingredients, stock take and handle customer enquiries.

What is your management style?

I like to make sure I run through all the basics with a new person I hire, ensuring that they know what to do. Then after a month or so, I expect them to be able to do things by themselves. Of course, the delegation of duties still ultimately lies with me, and the staffs are expected to report to me for any major decisions. Administrative management.

What are some of the difficulties you face as a manager?

Some employees are slower at learning than others, and because most of the staffs are part-timers, it becomes quite a hassle having to train and retrain staff. Part-timers tend to work only for a period of approximately 3 months or so before they leave. Of course, there are many of those who stay on longer than that. I also face some difficulties with handling dissatisfied customers, who more often than not ask to see me for the smallest issue.

How do you overcome these difficulties?

I just have to live with it. It is a constant difficulty I have to face, and it is part of what the job encompasses.

In your opinion, what makes a good manager?

In my opinion, I think a good manager is someone who can keep the day to day operations of a business smooth without hiccup.