Qualities of a Great Manager
The phrase “people don’t quit jobs they quit managers” is often true. A bad manager can run off good employees, decrease morale and impede growth. On the other hand, a great manager creates a positive environment where employees can thrive and productivity is at optimal levels. Not everyone is cut out to be a manger. Some individuals can learn how to manage well, but not every employee has the ability to lead effectively. Do you want to be a good manager? Check the list below to see if you meet the standards.
Patience
A good manager has patience with employees, coworkers, customers and clients. As a manager, one’s patience will often be tested, but a good manager won’t lose it. Maintaining a calm and controlled demeaner leads to a more positive work environment and quicker resolution to problems.
Strong Work Ethic
Managers have a lot of responsibilities and a strong work ethic is essential. A good manager will step in when needed to tasks that may be “beneath” them or outside their job description. Great managers want to get things done and help their employees succeed. Sometimes that means putting in extra work to ensure things are running smoothly.
Excellent Communication Skills
Communication is a must for a positive and productive work environment. The best managers make sure everyone is thoroughly informed of goals, policies, procedures, issues and changes at all times. Each individual on a team must be on the same page. Being a good manager means constant and consistent communication.
Willingness to Teach and Train Continuously
Training is a big part of a manger’s role. If someone isn’t great at training, they won’t be a good manager. The willingness to train and teach as part of the job is an essential quality for great leaders. Also important is the ability to answer questions, explain things clearly and adapt to different learning styles.
Eagerness to Learn from Others
Successful managers not only are willing to train and teach others, but to learn from others. Good managers don’t assume they know everything. Instead, they are open to learning from everyone – including those who are younger or who have less experience. When team leaders collaborate and ask questions to learn, they gain trust and help build a solid, cohesive team.
Positive Attitude
It’s hard to maintain a positive attitude in stressful times, but a good leader will keep their team motivated by staying positive even in tough periods. A smile, encouraging words, and showing enthusiasm all make for a manager everyone wants to work for especially in trying times. Bringing personal problems is unprofessional and employees, particularly those in leadership, should leave them at the door.
Ability to Correctly Give Feedback
Feedback is important to growth and improvement of employees. But giving feedback incorrectly or not giving any at all can lead to problems for both a team and a business. Managers should know the correct way to give feedback to employees. First, the tone should not be accusatory or negative. The recipient should never feel discouraged, but instead encouraged about their strengths and motivated to improve on weaknesses. Start with positive feedback, mention areas for improvement emphasizing your availability to assist or answer questions, then finish with something positive. An employee should leave these conversations feeling confident not defeated.
Accountability
Good leaders are accountable for their actions and the actions of those for which they are responsible. A great leader doesn’t deflect blame or make excuses. The best managers understand that mistakes happen, and taking ownership is a sign of good character. Employees want to work for someone that views mistakes as a learning opportunity, not something to be ignored or shifted to someone else. Making excuses, deflecting and denying are all immature reactions to mistakes. Mature managers take accountability, setting an example for those under their leadership.
Flexibility
Flexibility means adapting to changes – whether that means new technology or a change in priorities for the day. Managers that are flexible and not afraid of change (whether big or small) will find their jobs are much easier. Goals, procedures, staffing and other changes can happen suddenly and a great leader is prepared and adjusts as needed.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is at least as important as IQ. A good manager has high EQ, showing empathy and sensitivity without allowing emotions to take over. Someone with emotional intelligence possesses awareness of their own emotions, is able to regulate their emotions and understands the emotional needs of others.
Being an effective manager requires a range of skills, both soft skills and hard skills. Possession soft skills, such as communication and emotional intelligence, make someone an exceptional manager.