Qualities of a Truly Great Manager

While anyone with qualifications can manage an organization, to be a good manager is another thing. Each employee in an organization has a unique set of strengths. A good manager knows how to integrate those strengths for the organization’s good.

Remember! As a manager, you are held responsible for both the success and failure of company projects. A great manager has a high emotional quotient hence can efficiently engage with their team and cultivate strong relationships. Both of these are crucial elements in good management and performance.

In the end, becoming a great manager does not happen overnight but is a process. Below are simple tips you can implement to become a great manager.

1. Practice on Effective Communication Skills

As a manager, you should create goals and communicate expectations to your team members. You should transform organizational objectives into departmental and individual goals. Your team should be involved in decision-making and setting the goals to own them.

Once the goals are set, great managers are open with team members regarding their expectations. You should periodically follow up with team members to confirm if they are happy. Also, goals can be reviewed in a structured way whenever necessary.

Besides, communication should be two-way. Good managers listen as much as they talk. If you do not listen to your team, your team members will soon have nothing to add. They will feel their ideas do not matter. Yet, ideas from your team members can be valuable. As a good manager, you should give regular updates and seek feedback from your team.

2. Motivate Your Team

Motivation does not always mean higher salaries and bonuses to your employees. Instead, you should always recognize and appreciate your team members. As a manager, when you encourage your team, it sends a strong positive message. In turn, this will drive your team to put their best efforts into carrying out their work.

For instance, you can have a small friendly talk with your team on everyday goals. Likewise, you can motivate your team with soft benefits. Such benefits include flexible work schedules, generous leaves, and more. Eventually, appreciating your employees in small ways like a simple “thank you” brings out their best in the workplace.

3. Effective Delegation of Roles

A great manager should be able to identify strengths in each team member. This enables the manager to capitalize on the capabilities of each team member. So, a good manager delegates and empowers the right people for the right job in a team. As a result, the work will get done efficiently and effectively.

Similarly, a good manager trusts others in the delegation of duties. You should work in collaboration with your team and involve them in decision-making. Working with your team rather than above them creates better working relationships.

Delegation is also a way of developing leadership in your employees. Ultimately, delegation enhances team members’ engagement and tapping into their talents.

4. Set SMART Goals

Every successful manager must set SMART goals. As a manager, you should spell out the steps you want your staff to follow to achieve organizational goals. Goals give the team the direction to take. More importantly, SMART goals prepare your team to remain both mentally and physically focused on the direction to take. Goals are SMART if they are:

Specific: The outcome of the goal is known
Measurable: You know when you will have attained your goal
Achievable: The goals should be able to be attained
Relevant: The goals should help your team to perform their duties
Time-bound: The goals should be achieved within a given time frame

5. Create a favorable Workplace Environment

It is crucial to create a positive and enjoyable environment in which your employees work. This will make your team feel safe, included, and respected. Such an employee will be happy and more productive. A good manager regularly recognizes success made by employees and expresses gratitude.

In addition, you can occasionally organize team bonding activities. This is a moment where team members will have fun and celebrate their achievements. Such bonding activities will enhance the cohesiveness and spirit of working together as a team. You should ensure the team bonding activities are inclusive and suitable for your team members. You can ask your team members to suggest the kind activities and appreciation they prefer.

6. Connecting With Team Members

You don’t have to be aloof with your team members as a manager. Instead, you can have a chat and connect with your team members. By doing so, you will know your team members’ skills and help them grow.

Furthermore, connecting with your team helps you to know and understand them. This includes the background and role of each team member. Consequently, you will develop a good rapport and a healthy understanding with the team. The team members will open up to you. And so, they will feel free to air their challenges and seek help from you.

Concluding Remarks

Becoming a great manager doesn’t involve magic. But rather a continuous process in which you have to incorporate certain habits into your management style. It may also require you to change some of your current habits. Ultimately, as a great manager, you must keep a delicate balance between employees’ needs, well-being, and company goals. Great managers have the emotional intelligence and soft skills to enable them to do this.