Sunday, October 13, 2024

Top qualities of a good manager

Finally, you’re a manager.

You have put in the hard work, stayed resilient and navigated the corporate
ladder.

But here is where the misconception begins. A successful manager is often
thought of as an individual who is exceptional at their job, and someone that
will continue to improve in their specific role.

While that’s true, there is much more to becoming a great manager. They play
a pivotal role in an organization, serving as a linchpin that holds together
the direction of operations, the morale of the team and providing individual
guidance – they’re ultimately a mentor.

In fact, managers often do less of the original job they might’ve loved and now focus more on delegation and overseeing operations. No longer is it just what you bring to the table, but also what you can out of others!

Charaismatic traits

According to the Harvard Business Review, great managers are essentially romantics.

Don’t take this literally, but it’s about recognizing what makes each employee tick and bringing the most out of them -it takes great charisma. Most successful managers can pinpoint each person’s unique skill set and focus on enhancing this.

No one is a wholly all-rounded employee and there will be a few gaps for improvements. While spending hours overtime upskilling someone is thoughtful, a great manager won’t make it the focus. Instead, they carve the role around their unique skills and make the employee take ownership of this ability.

Giving them ownership is great for job satisfaction because it provides a sense of autonomy, trust and allows the employee to refine this skill.

You’re also creating interdependency within the team.

If everyone offers a unique skill that’s been honed, then individual team members are more likely to respect each other and rely on each other’s abilities to fill in the gaps. Want a coherent team with strong teamwork ethics?

Then bring out your charismatic side.

Diplomatic

There’s an art when it comes to dealing with people and it lies in communication.

The age-old saying “communication is key” also applies to the managerial world. One of the fundamental qualities of a good manager is the ability to actively listen to team members.

Active listening involves giving undivided attention to the speaker, understanding their message, and then responding. Don’t interrupt or rush them, rather give them time to finish what they have to say.

This demonstrates empathy and respect toward employees, fostering a culture of trust and open communication. It enables managers to better understand the needs, concerns and ideas of their team by actively engaging in conversations.

A professional skill and art of managing individuals or groups conducting their affairs in a method to safeguard your personal interests and theirs.

An infographic about historical figures with leadership qualities. Such as Marcus Aurelius, Barack Obama, Benjamin Franklin and Martin Luther King.

Transparency

But diplomacy relies on transparent communication utilized adroitly. Some managers might be hesitant when communicating concerns regarding an employee or the performance of a particular project.

Good managers understand that transparent communication needn’t be hostile or create feelings of negativity. If anything, it can lead to better employee engagement because the manager has set clear expectations about goals and challenges.

However, it’s the mannerism in which it’s said that gains trust and reduces misunderstanding. There’s a delicate balance in transparency and diplomacy, where the right amount of each can solve the problem at hand.

 If you know an employee is struggling on a project, don’t open the conversation with:

 

 “so I can see you’re struggling.” 

 

Bring it up subtly by asking how they are going and ask again to increase the chances of the employee being honest.

If they’re still not open, then consider something like:

 

“Do you need help with X? It’s a very tough segment of the project and I’m happy to lend a hand if you need it.”

 

This approach is respectful and less accusatory but also allows them to say no.

Constructive feedback

Often feared as criticism or confronting commentary, if done correctly, constructive feedback will improve your development and performance. Successful managers can highlight someone’s strengths and areas of improvement rather than criticize or belittle them.

Don’t just point out an issue; suggest how it can be fixed through methods you believe can work. Crisp communication is the way to go for enhancing team and company culture.

Open to change

No one likes a micromanager or someone who always rejects ideas. Being diplomatic is part of your openness to change, or rather how you manage suggestions of change.

Some managers feel the need to control all decisions, even the small ones. Your openness to change or appreciation of new ideas suggested by team members is a great way to show the value they hold as individuals.

So long as there’s merit and reasoning behind new ideas – encourage them and provide suggestions.

Wisdom

Your experience has given you knowledge and teachings that can help your team. Part of holding this wisdom is using it as a mentor.

Being a mentor
 
Mentorship is one of the most fulfilling and impactful roles that you can take on as a manager. It goes beyond task delegation and overseeing employees while calling on your experiences to help people on a personal level.
 
Your support, guidance and ability to empower can help individuals reach their goals on a professional and personal level. The workplace often lacks mentors, but as a manager, it’s your opportunity to showcase this invaluable attribute.
 

Emotional intelligence

 
Are you good at reading the room and gauging how someone feels?
 
Emotional intelligence refers to your ability to recognize and manage your own emotions while doing the same for others.
 
There will be days when you’re worked up and ready to explode. But successful managers understand the strong influence they hold over their team morale and productivity levels – emotional intelligence helps navigate such situations.
 
The same is true for your team. A manager with emotional intelligence can sense when an employee might be concerned or struggling with something and addressing this in an adroit manner takes skill.

Decision making

 
Looking to measure managerial effectiveness? Then ensure your decision-making skills are unmatched.
 
Everyone comes to you for the final say.
 
An indecisive manager is a fundamental issue for the team and overarching business objectives. But someone who makes swift choices in a fast-paced environment, while analyzing the available data and recognizing potential outcomes is the right fit for a managerial position.
 
It’s a fine balance between careful deliberation and decisive action, but it doesn’t stop there.
 
Managers must take ownership of their decisions. It’s a daunting feeling to accept, but at times you will be wrong, and you still need to be held accountable. Be transparent with your team and admit any mistakes, because it’s a display of ‘practice what you preach’.
 
Moreover, taking responsibility for decisions is essential in building trust with superiors, peers, and subordinates. It demonstrates integrity and reinforces the manager’s commitment to the organization’s success.
 

Motivation

 
The manager holds a unique power of influence. Much like the other interdependent qualities, so are leadership, motivation and vision.
 
How does it all mesh together?
 
Your vision is the ultimate business goal, it’s the promised land! And everyone needs to understand how they contribute toward this grand goal. Next, is leadership and it’s important to recognize that leadership isn’t necessarily kindred to being a manager.
 
Many individuals within an organization can show leadership qualities, which is why managers need to adopt this quality if they want to succeed in their position. Many define leadership in their own way, whether it’s translating a vision into a reality or simply influencing followers – you get the message, find out your leadership ideology.
 
So why is motivation the focus? Because motivation is the quality that needs to be instilled in your vision and leadership. The vision must be motivating, and the leadership must have motivational elements.
 
Your skill in empowering someone, making them enthusiastic and hopeful about the final outcome is the impetus behind a successful, leader, an accomplished vision and ultimately a great manager.
Share this article
X
LinkedIn
Facebook
Varun

Varun

Worldwide Virtual Office Locations

 Australia – English
 Bahrain – English اللغة العربية
 Belgium – FRANÇAIS  Nederlands  English
 China – 簡体中文   English
 France – FRANÇAIS   English
 Germany – Deutsch   English
 Hong Kong – 繁體中文   English
 Japan – 日本語   English
 Kuwait – اللغة العربية  English
 Lebanon – English  اللغة العربية
 Malaysia – English  Bahasa Melayu
 New Zealand – English
 Philippines – English
 Qatar – English  اللغة العربية
 Saudi Arabia – اللغة العربية  English
 Singapore – English  簡体中文
 Thailand – ภาษาไทย  English
 Turkey – Türkçe  English
 United Arab Emirates – English  اللغة العربية
 UK – English
 United States – English