It can be very difficult to build a good team, but it’s even more challenging to find, keep, and develop a great manager. The role of management has changed over the last decade, and while there are plenty of management roles advertised, being a great manager isn’t always easy. For those that want to be a great manager or those that want to hire one, there are some core skills that you should be aware of. These skills are an indication that not only will a new manager perform as expected but that they will inspire their team to new and greater successes. If you want the best management candidates, here’s what you need to look for.
Relationship Builder
A good manager builds a team, while a great manager builds relationships. Great managers will understand the need for trust, respect, and collaboration within a team’s workspace, and they will always face challenges with that same approach. Relationships that have dignity and respect will always result in stronger teams, and great managers know this.
Effective Communicator
Whether it’s via email, phone, text, or face-to-face, great managers always communicate and interact professionally. When it comes to clear communication, a great manager will prioritize improved listening and two-way feedback. They will avoid any kind of defensiveness and will know how to act based on the details of the interaction.
Negotiation Perfection
If you want to attract a great manager to your company then one of the big skills to look out for is negotiation. Being able to give and take in negotiation deals with suppliers, customers, investors, or even between departments is a good indication that your manager is more than simply good but great instead. Skilled negotiators can help a company grow faster and stay stronger, so they are vital additions to any team.
Positivity and Environment
Managers are the most significant aspect to determine happy and pleasant work environments. When managers can be all that stands between a safe workspace and a toxic environment, the mark of a great manager will be their ability to motivate employees through positivity and the recognition of good work. Managers very quickly set the tone for a workplace, and great managers know that.
Lead by Example
Great managers set a pace that can be followed but still demands positive and productive behavior at all times. Leading by example is essential, as it shows team members that their manager can recognize the need to roll their sleeves up and get involved when deadlines are close and workloads are high.
Empowerment in the Workplace
Great managers will go out of their way to develop the skills of their team. They will prioritize on-the-job learning and will ensure that all employees have access to career development pathways that are tailored to the individual. This makes team members feel more valued and appreciated, and that can only be a positive when it comes to productivity.
Many characteristics can help you identify what it takes to be a great manager. You could be a business owner hoping to hire only the best in managers, or looking at the next step of your career and not sure what skills to develop that will make you a great manager. Start with these skill sets and management success will come organically. Never settle for good management when a great manager can transform the potential of any business.
Leave a Reply