Finding the right person to fill one of the most important managerial positions can be challenging. Even the most experienced managers have their days filled with stress and frustration. A bad manager can lead to ineffective and even toxic team dynamics.
On the other hand, a good manager understands the importance of leading their team and creating a positive, productive environment for everyone. Working in a managerial role means making difficult and sometimes life-changing decisions for your team. Being a good manager means being aware of what’s going on in the group, being communicative, and empowering team members to do their best work. If you’re looking to be a good manager, here are some helpful tips.
Understand your job role
Getting to know your team and how they work will help you better understand the role you need to play as their manager and how hands-on you need to be. As a manager, you need to know what’s expected of you. This includes specific tasks and duties for your role. The responsibilities of a manager can be vast and demanding, so make sure you know exactly what you are expected to do in your job and what is and isn’t in your remit to avoid stepping on others’ toes or crossing any boundaries unintentionally. You should also understand the expectations for the team you are leading so you can set clear goals in this area as well.
Learn to communicate effectively
Communicating effectively is one of the most critical skills a manager can have. A good manager will be able to understand what they want from their team and what they are trying to achieve and communicate those goals and possibly to their team. Being able to express ideas and thoughts to an audience is vital for managers who want to lead their team in the right direction. It’s also essential for managers to communicate with team members one-on-one. By regularly communicating with your team members, you can maintain a sense of openness and understanding even if you have different opinions or goals for the project at hand. Communication is key for teams that work together over long periods, face obstacles, or have busy schedules.
Don’t micromanage
It’s essential to understand what your team is working on, but don’t get so involved in their work that you micromanage them. Interfering too much may cause team members to lose motivation and feel pressured and unhappy. Take the time to understand what each of your team members wants to get out of their position, and offer them the opportunity to do just that. Chances are they want more responsibility or more creative freedom, so give it to them! Giving them ownership will make them motivated and happy and will make it easier for you as a manager.
Stay active and stay connected.
A manager should stay active and connected to the team. A manager needs to be transparent with their team members. This includes being open about your expectations, priorities, and goals. Share your thoughts in meetings, and make sure you listen as much as you speak. Additionally, staying active means being hands-on in the office and not just at the desk during sessions. When managers work hard alongside their team, it shows that they care about them, which improves morale.
Be empathetic
As a manager, it can be challenging to understand the perspective of your team members. Your day-to-day job responsibilities are often different from the daily tasks your employees must complete. An excellent way to start understanding your team better is by taking a step back and listening to what people say about their jobs. When you listen to what people have to say, you can begin finding ways to create an environment where everyone feels heard. Asking questions and paying attention will lead you in the right direction and help you understand how to address issues with team dynamics.
Offer support and guidance where needed.
The best managers can provide guidance and support for their team members. This is invaluable – especially for newer team members. A good manager will set expectations, give feedback, offer advice, and help complete work tasks.
Celebrate successes
It’s important to celebrate successes with your team. This will motivate them and make them feel appreciated. When a team member does something great, it’s always worth rewarding them somehow, whether through praise or a small gift. People are more likely to work hard for you when you give thanks.
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