Blog: “I love to see people do well and improve their lives” Written by Claire Read Wednesday 24 July 2024 Share Share to LinkedIn Share to Facebook Share via email For much of Paul Jackson CMgr FCMI’s 52 years in NHS estate services, he didn’t have any formal management training. That changed in 2014, when he sought a qualification to find out “whether I was doing it right” Paul Jackson CMgr FCMI has encountered many managers during his 52 years in NHS estate services, and he has noticed a consistent theme: that managers often arrive in their role by incident or accident. Indeed, that is how Paul’s own management career began – which is part of what drove him to become a CMI member. Paul was only in his 20s when he was first asked to take on responsibility for other colleagues. It was 1980 and he was part of a works team serving health facilities in South London, having started his career as an apprentice electrician at a hospital in Abbey Wood. But “a tragedy struck” and the team’s general foreman unexpectedly died. Paul was asked to take over the role. 82% of managers are ‘accidental managers’ CMI’s nationwide study into management and leadership found that a huge percentage of managers and leaders enter into management positions without any formal training. Find out more “At quite a young age, I was suddenly thrust into managing 46 guys,” he remembers. “I had everything from French polishers to mechanical and electrical craftsmen. We used to act as a contractor to all the hospitals in the area. If they wanted a new roof or a new building built, then we would do it. It was good fun; quite interesting.” Read on: why Paul decided to take his knowledge to the next level Login or register below for Free Instant Access Login If you are already registered as a CMI Friend, Subscriber or Member, just login to view this article. Confirm your registration Login below to confirm your details and access this article. Sign in with email Email remember me remember Forget? Please confirm that you want to switch off the "Sign in with email" remember me feature. Yes No Register for Free Access Not yet a Member, Subscriber or Friend? Register as a CMI Friend for free, and get access to this and many other exclusive resources, as well as weekly updates straight to your inbox. You have successfully registered As a CMI Friend, you now have access to whole range of CMI Friendship benefits. Please login to the left to confirm your registration and access the article. Blog This is a space for people to stay up-to-date with all the latest knowledge, opinions and commentary on management and leadership topics from some industry leaders. Members See More CMI Members have access to thousands of online learning and CPD resources. Learn more about our membership benefits Join The Community CMI offers a variety of flexible membership solutions, tailored to your needs. Find out more and get involved in the CMI community today.