Some managers inspire and motivate, however, many fail miserably to engage their employees effectively. Some managers run a high performance team, yet their employees live and work in fear. Others are just absolute disasters and a joke to other leaders. There are many excellent books on the skills necessary to be an excellent manager, however, it seems that many in that role do not seem to realize that they are not being effective in their role. Getting some honest feedback would be helpful, but few seek that information.
The real truth is: people tend to quit people, not jobs. They usually leave a position because they do not feel appreciated or valued, disrespected, and underused.
The best bosses became great because they take a genuine interest in each team member. Not only do they want their company to succeed, but they want the individual employees to fulfill their potential and therefore succeed as well. Happy employees are creative, productive, efficient, hardworking and healthier.
Here are the key skills necessary for excellent managers:
- Be an Effective Communicator:
This is the most important ability! You need to be able to talk to your team; clearly explain their goals and the goals of the organization. You need to be able to define what success means to your team and to the company. This information can be presented daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or frankly, whatever suits your team and project outcomes. Weekly meetings can keep employees tuned in and engaged on exactly what the team has to accomplish each week. So, apart from your team goals, you need to clearly and honestly communicate constructively how your employees are doing. There is nothing more motivating than positive constructive feedback. - Be an Effective Leader:
Often, companies promote a top performer because of previous successes, without ever determining or assessing if that person is actually capable and suited to manage a team. True leaders are able to demonstrate trust, provide clear direction, and delegate appropriately. Just because an employee reached a huge sales goal last quarter does not necessarily mean that he or she can manage or lead a team well. The best boss will be a top performer but also possess the skills and attributes to lead a team effectively. A true leader does not just “talk the talk” rather they “walk the walk” and so model the behaviours and attitudes they wish the team members to espouse. - Be Passionate:
The ideal boss should be excited about the mission of the organization and what it is attempting to accomplish. When you are passionate about your work, it is contagious and will help to instill this in their team members. Besides, it is much effective and fun to work with others who share your passion and enthusiasm for what you are achieving. - Be a Relationship Builder:
Effective managers spend a significant amount of time and effort building trust, respect and rapport with their team members because good relationships are key to high performance by everyone. In addition, employees also feel valued, and appreciated when the relationships are good and this generally results in higher performance, less turnover, and more innovation. If you also offer a rewards programs, opportunities to obtain new skills and update their current abilities and treat them will respect, the outcomes are bound to be beneficial to everyone. - Be a Dedicated Hard Worker:
No organization can truly be successful unless everyone works together to achieve the goals and complete the work necessary to keep the company in the black. A really effective manager completely understands the flow of operations and be willing to work as diligently as the rest of the team. Never ask your team to do something you would not do, and if you sometimes just pitch in when necessary, this will earn you respect and more cooperation.
If you adopt the tips described above you will certainly be a great “boss” and the rewards will be the high achievements of everyone on the team, little turnover, few lost sick days and high productivity, efficiency and creativity.