Being a good manager requires the mastery of several qualities that not only contribute to personal growth but also foster a positive work environment. In this article, I will delve into the three essential qualities that distinguish great managers from the rest. By focusing on these qualities, you can elevate your managerial skills and become a leader who inspires and empowers their team. Let’s explore each quality in detail.
1. A Good Manager is Trustworthy and Empowering → Towards the Team
Building trust within your team is crucial for effective management. Here are some key elements to consider:
Trust comes from demonstrating credibility and showing vulnerability
As a manager, it is vital to establish trust by demonstrating your experience and domain knowledge. This gives your team confidence in your ability to make informed decisions. Additionally, showing vulnerability fosters a sense of relatability and approachability, making it easier for your team to approach you with any concerns or ideas.
Empower your team to decide on the “how” while establishing the “what” and jointly defining “success”
A good manager understands the importance of empowering their team members. Allow them the freedom to determine the best approach or strategy to achieve the established goals. By focusing on the “what” and jointly defining what success looks like, you provide a clear direction while promoting creativity and collaboration.
👍🏼👍🏼 Do: Delegate and coach
Effective managers delegate tasks to their team members, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability. Delegate responsibilities based on individual strengths and provide guidance and support when needed. Coaching your team members not only helps them grow but also builds trust and strengthens the team dynamic.
👎🏼👎🏼 Don’t: Micromanage work
Micromanagement has a detrimental impact on employee morale and stifles creativity. Avoid the temptation to micromanage and instead trust your team members to carry out their tasks. Allow them the freedom to showcase their skills and find their own unique solutions.
2. A Good Manager is Reliable and Dependable → Towards Peers and Partner Functions
Establishing a sense of reliability and dependability is essential in building strong relationships with your peers and partner functions. Consider the following:
Reliability comes with keeping your commitments and openly communicating challenges
To be seen as reliable, it is crucial to deliver on your commitments consistently. When unforeseen challenges arise, communicate openly and honestly with those involved. By doing so, you show integrity and ensure that everyone is aware of potential delays or obstacles.
Develop deep empathy and build strong relationships with peers and partners
Cultivating empathy allows you to understand and appreciate the perspectives and challenges of your colleagues. Actively seek opportunities to offer assistance, support, or guidance to your peers and partner functions. Respect their time and communicate effectively, fostering a collaborative environment built on trust and mutual respect.
👍🏼👍🏼 Do: Strive to always deliver on commitments
Make it a priority to fulfill your promises and meet deadlines. This not only establishes your reputation as a reliable individual but also instills confidence in your abilities.
👎🏼👎🏼 Don’t: Forget to show gratitude
Expressing gratitude is a simple yet powerful gesture that often goes unnoticed. Take the time to acknowledge the efforts of your peers and partner functions. Showing appreciation builds strong relationships and encourages a culture of support and collaboration.
3. A Good Manager is Transparent and Accountable → Towards Upper Management
Being transparent and accountable to upper management demonstrates your leadership capabilities. Consider the following:
Represent your team and bring transparency between people above you and below you
As a manager, it is your responsibility to bridge the gap between upper management and your team. Represent your team’s interests and concerns while ensuring transparency in both directions. Clear and open communication strengthens trust and fosters a positive workplace culture.
Present successes, achievements, failures, mistakes, and issues objectively
When reporting to upper management, it is crucial to present a balanced view of your team’s performance. Highlight successes and achievements, but also address failures, mistakes, and ongoing issues objectively. By doing so, you demonstrate honesty and the ability to learn from setbacks.
Have the courage to say no but be accountable for whatever you say yes to
Effective managers understand the importance of setting boundaries and saying no when necessary. However, when commitments are made, be accountable and follow through. Demonstrating trustworthiness and responsibility in decision-making solidifies your credibility as a manager.
👍🏼👍🏼 Do: Communicate with Radical Candor
Embrace effective communication by practicing Radical Candor. Offer constructive feedback and engage in meaningful conversations with upper management. Transparent and honest communication strengthens relationships and paves the way for mutual growth and success.
👎🏼👎🏼 Don’t: Cover up, hide, complain
Avoid the temptation to cover up mistakes or hide information from upper management. Complaining about challenges without proposing solutions only adds negativity to the work environment. Instead, focus on finding solutions and addressing issues proactively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the three essential qualities of a good manager is paramount to becoming an exceptional leader. By being trustworthy and empowering towards your team, reliable and dependable towards your peers, and transparent and accountable towards upper management, you can elevate your managerial skills to new heights. Embrace these qualities, communicate effectively, and foster a positive work environment that inspires and motivates your team towards success.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the essential qualities of a great manager. What qualities do you believe are most crucial for a good manager? Which of the above traits do you think is the most difficult to develop or one that most managers tend to lack?
Share your thoughts, stories, and questions in the comments section below.