Why do some managers consistently lead high-performing teams while others struggle to keep their employees motivated?
The secret lies in the subtle yet powerful actions that great managers take every day. These leaders don't just manage; they inspire, empower, and elevate their teams to new heights.
As Adam Grant says,
"Good leaders build products. Great leaders build cultures. Good leaders deliver results. Great leaders develop people. Good leaders have vision. Great leaders have values. Good leaders are role models at work. Great leaders are role models in life."
What Makes Managers Great?
Great managers possess a unique set of skills and characteristics that set them apart.
Here are 8 key factors that contribute to their success
1. the power of emotional intelligence
At the heart of great management lies emotional intelligence (EI). This ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as those of others, is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Managers with high EI create a positive work environment by empathizing with their team members, understanding their concerns, and responding in a supportive manner.
Key aspects of emotional intelligence include:
- Self-awareness
- Self-regulation
- Empathy
- Social skills
By developing these skills, managers can build stronger relationships, navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, and foster a more collaborative and engaged workforce.
2. Empowering Their team
Great managers understand that true success comes from empowering their employees. Rather than micromanaging or dictating every decision, they trust their team members to take ownership of their work. This approach boosts engagement and enhances productivity and innovation.
Empowered employees are more likely to take initiative, solve problems creatively, and go above and beyond in their roles. By delegating effectively, encouraging decision-making, and providing the necessary resources and support, managers create an environment where team members feel valued and motivated to contribute their best work.
3. effective communication
Communication is essential for successful management. Great managers excel in both listening and articulating their ideas clearly, ensuring that their team members feel heard and understood.
These leaders communicate expectations, goals, and feedback clearly and consistently. By fostering open and honest dialogue, they create a culture of transparency and trust. Regular check-ins, team meetings, and one-on-one conversations are tools that great managers use to maintain clear lines of communication and keep their team aligned and motivated.
4. setting clear goals
To drive performance and success, exceptional managers set clear, achievable goals and expectations for their teams. They understand that when employees have a clear understanding of what’s expected of them and how their work contributes to the broader objectives of the organization, they are better equipped to prioritize their tasks and efforts.
Great managers take the time to define objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). They also ensure that these goals align with the organization’s broader mission and strategy. By regularly reviewing progress and providing feedback, they keep their team on track and motivated to achieve their targets.
5. fostering growth and development
Outstanding managers recognize the potential in their team members and actively seek opportunities for their professional development. This investment not only enhances skills and knowledge but also increases loyalty to the organization.
Managers foster growth by:
- Mentoring and coaching
- Offering continuous learning opportunities
- Creating pathways for career advancement
Managers who prioritize employee growth and career advancement often experience lower turnover rates and higher employee satisfaction.
6. creating a positive work culture
Great managers know that a positive work culture is essential for success. They foster an environment where all team members feel valued and included, encourage teamwork and open communication, and celebrate and acknowledge employees’ efforts and achievements.
By creating a culture where staff members feel supported and appreciated, managers can increase job satisfaction and overall team performance. This positive atmosphere also contributes to better problem-solving, increased creativity, and a more resilient workforce.
7. encouraging innovation
Innovation is crucial for growth and success in any organization. Exceptional managers encourage their teams to think creatively, take calculated risks, and learn from failures. They create a safe environment for experimentation, facilitate brainstorming sessions, and support and reward innovative efforts.
Organizations led by innovation-driven managers often experience higher profitability and competitive advantage. By fostering a culture of innovation, these leaders ensure their teams stay ahead of industry trends and continuously improve their processes and outputs.
8. proactive conflict resolution
Conflict is inevitable in any team environment. However, great managers address conflicts proactively and work towards resolving them constructively. They identify the root cause of the conflict, facilitate open communication between all parties, and work collaboratively to find mutually acceptable solutions.
By addressing conflicts proactively, managers can maintain a harmonious work environment and prevent issues from escalating. This approach not only resolves immediate problems but also strengthens team relationships and improves overall communication.
How to Become a Great Manager
Becoming a great manager is a journey of continuous learning and self-improvement. While some people may have natural leadership abilities, anyone can develop the skills needed to excel in a management role. Here are specific actions you can take to become a stronger manager.
- Seek out leadership opportunities. Look for chances to lead projects or teams, even if they're small or informal. This hands-on experience is invaluable for developing your management skills.
- Develop a growth mindset. Embrace challenges and view failures as learning opportunities. Be open to feedback and actively seek it out from both superiors and team members.
- Practice active listening. Make a conscious effort to truly hear and understand your team members. This skill is crucial for building trust and improving communication.
- Study successful leaders. Read biographies of great leaders and managers. Analyze their strategies and try to apply their insights to your own management style.
- Work on your emotional intelligence. Take an EQ assessment and work on areas where you need improvement. Practice empathy and self-awareness in your daily interactions.
- Expand your network. Connect with other managers both within and outside your organization. Join professional associations or networking groups to share experiences and learn from peers.
- Develop your decision-making skills. Practice making decisions under pressure. Use frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks and allocate resources effectively.
- Improve your time management. Learn to delegate effectively and focus on high-impact activities. Use tools and techniques like the Pomodoro method to boost your productivity.
- Strengthen your communication skills. Take courses in public speaking or writing. Practice giving clear, concise instructions and providing constructive feedback.
- Learn conflict resolution techniques. Study different approaches to conflict resolution and practice mediating disputes in low-stakes situations.
- Stay updated on industry trends. Regularly read industry publications and attend conferences to stay informed about the latest developments in your field.
- Develop a personal leadership philosophy. Reflect on your values and leadership style. Articulate your vision and principles to guide your management decisions.
- Practice self-care. Prioritize your physical and mental health. A well-rested, balanced manager is better equipped to handle the challenges of leadership.
- Seek out a mentor. Find an experienced manager who can provide guidance and support as you develop your skills.
- Experiment with different management styles. Try out various approaches to see what works best for you and your team. Be flexible and adapt your style to different situations and team members.
By consistently working on these areas, you'll develop the skills and mindset needed to become a great manager.
How Companies Can Help Managers Become Great
While individual managers are responsible for developing their skills, companies play a crucial role in fostering great management. Organizations can support their managers by implementing the following strategies.
Provide Comprehensive Training Programs
Offer regular training sessions on leadership skills, emotional intelligence, communication, and other essential management competencies. These programs should include workshops and seminars focused on practical skills, online courses for flexible learning, and guest speakers who can provide insights and inspiration. Providing diverse training methods ensures that managers can continuously develop and refine their skills.
implement Mentorship Programs
Pair less experienced managers with seasoned leaders to facilitate knowledge transfer and personal growth. Effective mentorship programs should:
- Match mentors and mentees based on goals
- Ensure regular check-ins to discuss progress
- Provide resources to support the mentoring relationship
This structure helps build a strong foundation for managerial success.
encourage continuous Learning
Support managers in attending conferences, workshops, or pursuing relevant certifications to enhance their skills. Encourage them to stay updated with the latest industry trends, network with other professionals, and apply new knowledge and skills into their daily work. Continuous learning keeps managers adaptable and innovative.
Offer regular feedback
Implement a robust performance evaluation system that provides managers with constructive feedback on their leadership abilities. This system should include:
- 360-degree reviews to gather comprehensive input
- Clear goal setting
- Regular follow-up meetings to track progress
Consistent feedback helps managers understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
create a supportive culture
Foster an organizational culture that values and rewards effective management practices. Promote collaboration by encouraging teamwork and open communication. Recognize successes and acknowledge contributions to create an inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and respected. A supportive culture enhances overall job satisfaction.
Provide Necessary Resources
Ensure managers have access to the tools, technologies, and support staff they need to lead their teams effectively. This includes up-to-date software and hardware, administrative support to manage routine tasks, and access to professional development materials and opportunities. Adequate resources enable managers to perform their roles efficiently.
Promote Work-Life Balance
Encourage managers to maintain a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and model this behavior for their teams. Companies can support this by offering:
- Flexible work hours
- Remote work options
- Wellness and EAP programs
Promoting work-life balance leads to healthier, more productive managers.
Recognize and Reward Great Management
Implement recognition programs that celebrate managers who exemplify great leadership qualities. This might include:
- Awards and bonuses for outstanding performance
- Public acknowledgment in company communications
- Opportunities for promotion and growth
Recognition and rewards motivate managers to continue excelling in their roles.
Great Managers = Great Companies
Fostering effective management is a multifaceted endeavor that requires a collaborative effort between individual managers and their organizations. The efforts can be rewarding, ultimately leading to personal and organizational success.
When you partner with Ulliance, our Life Advisor Consultants are always just a phone call away to teach ways to enhance your work/life balance and increase your happiness. The Ulliance Life Advisor Employee Assistance Program can help employees and employers come closer to a state of total well-being.
Investing in the right EAP or Wellness Program to support your employees will help them and help you. Visit https://ulliance.com/ or call 866-648-8326.
The Ulliance Employee Assistance Program can address the
following issues:
• Stress about work or job performance
• Crisis in the workplace
• Conflict resolution at work or in one’s personal life
• Marital or relationship problems
• Child or elder care concerns
• Financial worries
• Mental health problems
• Alcohol/substance abuse
• Grief
• Interpersonal conflicts
• AND MORE!
References:
6 Universal Practices of Great Managers; Forbes; Tony Gambill
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tonygambill/2023/10/30/six-universal-practices-of-great-managers/
8 Behaviors of the World’s Best Managers; Gallup; Ryan Pendell
https://www.gallup.com/workplace/272681/habits-world-best-managers.aspx
14 Revealing Practices That Distinguish A Great Manager From A Good One; Forbes; Forbes Council
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2022/01/11/14-revealing-practices-that-distinguish-a-great-manager-from-a-good-one/
What Great Managers Do Differently; LinkedIn; Phina Consultants
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-great-managers-do-differently-phina-consultants-ltd/