As a manager, you’re responsible for achieving business goals while at the same time, prioritizing the ongoing well-being of your team and each of its members. It’s not always an easy balance, but maintaining it is rewarding, not to mention essential to your own success as well as that of your company.
There’s a lot on your plate. You need to juggle overseeing your team or department day to day, acting as a liaison between them and senior leadership, creating short-term goals and a long-term vision for your team that aligns with your company’s mission, and working to make daily operations more efficient and effective. Add to this tracking team progress, noting areas for improvement, hiring and training new team members, and in many cases, working directly with clients or customers. Phew!
How can you be not just good enough, but great, as you advance your role as a manager and your career?
Qualities of an Effective Manager
Here are a few tips on how to be the manager your employees want and your company needs:
- Communicate regularly and well: Perfect your written and verbal communication skills, including active listening and how to give and receive feedback that will benefit your team and your organization.
- Show empathy: You can’t always solve the problems of everyone on your team, but you can be a sounding board and do whatever possible to make things easier. Simply showing that you truly care is a great start.
- Set SMART goals: They will help you and your team focus on what’s most important and establish the right expectations. SMART stands for goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound.
- Advocate for your employees’ growth and development: Most people want to learn and improve themselves. When you support this as a manager, the result is happier, more loyal and productive employees.
- Have people’s backs: Advocate for your employees’ resource needs and remove as many barriers as possible as they try to do the best work possible.
- Never lose your integrity: Always act ethically, even when it feels challenging or overwhelming. You will not only set a good example for others, but you can look at yourself in the mirror at the end of each day and feel good about it.
- Celebrate milestones and achievements: Acknowledge individuals as well as your full team for their accomplishments. This shows that you see and value their contributions, which will help them stay invested and engaged. Use private messages or more public recognitions as appropriate – and depending on what works best for the employees involved.
To work on all these tactics and for additional insight on being the best manager you can be, consider partnering with the professional career coaches at PrideStaff Modesto. We can help you achieve and exceed your goals in your current role, or find your next great opportunity as you nurture your professional career. Reach out to us today to learn more.
