Characteristics Of A Great Manager
According to Merriam-Webster, some of the synonyms of the word ‘manage’ are control, govern, guide, and direct. When most people think of a manager at a place of business, they usually associate the job description with the first two synonyms – controlling and governing others. However, effective managers take on the characteristics of the latter synonyms, providing guidance and direction.
Here are four ways that a great manager gets so much work accomplished by using a practical approach:
1) Knowing the business well and working for its success.
Great managers are not only familiar with the products and services provided by their place of business, but they’re always working intentionally towards the goals of the company. This means that they’re finding innovative ways to keep their team in the loop about the organization’s mission statement, making judgement calls, giving directions, and balancing between taking a firm stance on some issues and encouraging their team members to be creative with their work. By doing this, a great manager is able to guide their team in a way that keeps the company headed in its intended direction.
2) Discovering what makes each individual team member unique.
Finding out what each of your employees are passionate about and what they actually really enjoy doing at work will make a huge difference in your company’s culture. Not only will you have a happier atmosphere at the office, but you’ll also have the hardest working employees. Great managers ask their employees what they enjoy doing the most and adapt their task delegation accordingly. Listening, observing, and asking questions all contribute to getting a good picture of each team member and determining the best role for them to play. It also eliminates many situations where an employee is asked to do something they simply do effectively and it makes the training process smoother because it takes into account the specific manner by which an individual learns something new and perhaps even allows certain employees to mentor their colleagues.
3) Having a balanced view of natural abilities versus willingness to learn.
Admittedly, it is a desirable thing when an employee inherently excels at their work. When they start a workday focused on the task at hand, being naturally skilled at what they do, you know they will get the job done well. But business models are sometimes adjusted, technology is updated, and daily needs might warrant that people come out of their comfort zones. So, while it is wise to value the employee that seems to have been born doing what they do, great managers never discount the team members that are willing to learn and work hard at something new.
4) Setting an excellent example through humility and vulnerability.
When your employees make a mistake, you want them to feel comfortable enough to recognize them immediately and take the initiative to better themselves. It’s no different for any manager. By being able to admit your mistakes without any excuses and recognize that you’re indeed human, you set the tone at the office and put others at ease. A workplace that is encouraging and respectful rather than full of fear is a productive workplace.
Within these four characteristics runs a common thread – a great manager works alongside the company and their team members to reach a shared success.
Rather than being overlords, they enthusiastically guide and direct a careful process with which they are in full cooperation. Some managers are hired already possessing these desirable traits. However, with the proper training, great managers can be built from those who embrace the prospect of growing.
What’s something new you could start doing to become a great manager?
Need more help? Contact us at 1-807-623-1915 or email info@getfrankinhere.com to find out how we at Frank Consulting can help you become a better manager for your team!
