It is fairly common to witness power problems, inter-departmental conflicts, and overlapping of decisions in an organization.
This is because when there are different departments working at the place, each one of them tends to have a different outlook towards the common goal. Each of the departments is headed by different managers who seem to address the key concerns of their department rather than looking at the bigger picture.
Thus, a manager who can put up with such circumstances and handle the problems without the need for escalating it to his superiors is truly required.
Becoming a good manager is a desirable goal for many individuals who aspire to lead and inspire others. However, being a perfect manager is an unattainable goal since no one is perfect.
In this article, we will explore the 20 qualities of a good manager and how to become one – The ABCs of being a successful manager: 20 key qualities to master.
Becoming a Good Manager
How Can You Achieve It?
Do you aspire to be a good manager or a perfect manager? While perfect managers do not exist because perfect people do not exist, one can definitely be a good manager. In this article, we will explore what makes a good manager, what are the qualities of a good manager, and how one can become a good manager.
The Significance of Being a Good Manager in an Organization
A good manager is one who can handle power problems, inter-departmental conflicts, and overlapping decisions within an organization.
Such a manager can address key concerns and handle problems without having to escalate them to higher-ups.
20 Qualities of a Good Manager
There are several qualities that define a good manager. Here are 13 characteristics of a good manager:
1.) Feedback – Listening – Delegating
A good manager should listen, delegate assignments, and provide feedback to increase employee satisfaction.
Employees who feel that their manager is giving them the chance to advance, learn, grow, and notice their efforts are more likely to perform well.
2.) Asking Questions
Managers who dictate their terms to employees and do not inquire about their thoughts and opinions are likely to make employees disinterested in their jobs, leading to a decrease in productivity.
In contrast, managers who value their employees’ feedback, concerns, and involve them in decision-making processes are respected.
Such managers boost employee morale, leading to increased productivity and organizational growth.
3.) Value Your Employees
A good manager values all valued drivers and takes them into consideration.
Your employees are the real asset of your organization, and as a good manager, you should understand their worth and treat them accordingly.
They are the ones running the business and doing the work, after all.
4.) Interest Factor
A good manager should be interesting and engaging.
Employees prefer working with a manager who is not nagging but instead disseminates the organizational mission, vision, and objectives in a way that is easily understandable and acts on it all the time.
A good manager may choose to hold light conversations to understand employees’ views while instilling values in them through humor.
5.) Controlling Emotions
A good manager knows how to control their emotions.
They never vent their frustration on employees, even those in menial positions. A good manager is also forthright in praising employees for a job well done and eager to understand the reasons behind failures.
6.) Enterprising in Nature
Highly successful leaders are always enterprising in nature.
They are proactive in trying out newer things to enhance business growth.
7.) Collaborators
Good managers are good collaborators who foster problem-solving and instill a sense of belonging and shared responsibility among team members.
8.) Self-Motivation
A good leader needs to be self-motivated and set an example. He can meet challenges head-on and put forward plans to achieve results, high-handedly. If you can motivate yourself even during tough times, you are sure to become a good leader one day.
9.) Delegation of Work
A good manager knows how to delegate work effectively and efficiently.
They ensure that delegated work is done properly and intervene to sort out issues when necessary.
10.) Learning from Failures
A manager should learn that failures are not the right tool to gauge success.
Failures happen all the time, and the most important thing is to learn from them, adapt to changing times and keep moving forward to achieve desired results.
11.) Learning and Listening
A good leader should be a good listener and open to learning, even if it comes from team members.
12.) Providing Feedback
Employees appreciate receiving feedback for their work, as it helps them learn for the next time.
They feel more balanced and respected when they receive feedback.
Therefore, Recognize and reward deserving employees with promotions, feedback, raises, and accolades.
13.) Being a Coach
Good managers are also coaches who share knowledge and experience within and across teams to achieve common goals.
Share your experience and knowledge with your employees. A good supervisor helps their team perform better by sharing their wisdom, knowledge, and experience. This strengthens the bond and trust between you and your team.
14.) Strong Communication Skills
As a manager, you need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively to avoid misunderstandings and frustrations. Make sure you receive information from your subordinates correctly, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if needed.
15.) Adaptability
The world is constantly changing, and as a manager, it’s important to keep up with these changes. Don’t just follow old norms and rules blindly – think outside the box and adjust to the needs of your organization.
16.) Disciplined
You must be disciplined if you expect your team to be so.
As a manager, you are an example to your team – come to work on time, meet deadlines, and set behavioral codes if necessary.
17.) Lead by Example
Don’t just delegate tasks to your team – be hands-on and take on projects yourself.
Pick up something less attractive or uninteresting and complete it successfully. This sets an example for your team to take on challenges and shows them how all work is important.
18.) Approachable
Your employees should feel comfortable approaching you with their concerns and problems.
Foster an environment of trust and openness, so that they feel comfortable coming to you with any issues.
19.) Considerate
Your employees are people, not just employees.
They have families, friends, and lives beyond work. Don’t make them work beyond their usual hours unless it’s absolutely necessary. Allow them to have weekends and vacations. Be practical when setting timelines.
This will improve the efficiency and productivity of your employees.
20.) Positive Attitude
Be polite, wish your employees good morning, and be generous in thanking them.
Inquire about their families from time to time. When mistakes happen, try to understand the reasons behind the mishap.
Provide constructive feedback and show them the right way to do things, rather than screaming or scolding in front of others. Criticize constructively, in proportion to the mistake.
By possessing these qualities, you can become a great manager and lead your team to success.