Tips For Becoming A High Quality Manager
We've all had them: Good managers, and bad managers. Good managers make you look forward to coming to work every day, keep the day moving smoothly, make sure everything stays on track.
And then there are bad managers, and they make your life miserable: blaming, criticizing, being unreliable, up and down, relying on you too much or not enough, changing the rules and forgetting to tell anyone.
Don't be that manager.
Here are tips for being the best manager you can be.
Openly communicate
"A good manager is your classic communication expert. Promoting a work environment where everyone feels valued and heard takes excellent communication skills and practice. Frequent and effective communication through multiple channels (in-person, email, phone, even voice-over IP) strengthens your ties with your employees to encourage trust and limit conflict," according to blog.udemy.com.
Be transparent
"Everyone hates being kept in the dark. Whenever possible, update your team on anything from small successes/concerns to large restructuring possibilities so that they are aware of what's going on at all times. Even if the issue at hand does not pertain directly to them, it helps to assure that they are an integral part of the company and that their support and understanding is valued," according to blog.udemy.com.
Remove roadblocks
"You are on their side and they need to feel that at all times. Be clear with your expectations for them – have them create S.M.A.R.T. goals or something similar and go through it with them. Then help them succeed with all the (reasonable) requests for technology or time that they need. See if there's any additional training that the company can send them to if the budget allows," according to blog.udemy.com.
Be creative
"Creativity is what separates competence from excellence. Creativity is the spark that propels projects forward and that captures peoples' attention. Creativity is the ingredient that pulls the different pieces together into a cohesive whole, adding zest and appeal in the process," according to Project Smart.
Offer structure
"The context and structure we work within always have a set of parameters, limitations and guidelines. A stellar manager knows how to work within the structure and not let the structure impinge upon the process or the project. Know the structure intimately, so as to guide others to effectively work within the given parameters. Do this to expand beyond the boundaries," according to Project Smart.
Bring optimism
"An optimistic attitude can help build morale in your employees. Your positive attitude can inspire others, and help them feel good about getting things done," says phdinmanagement.com.
Inspire confidence
"You need to be able to make decisions in confidence, and show others that you are capable of making good decisions. Your confidence will rub off on others, and can be of benefit," per phdinmanagement.com..
Stay calm, manage on
"As the manager, you can't afford to break down when the pressure is on. The ability to remain calm and do what needs to be done is essential," offers phdinmanagement.com.