Photo by Tim Douglas
What makes a good manager? Experience, charisma, education, or age?
Successful managers are a rare species. They are not obvious. Yet, when you work with them, you have all you need. What makes a difference?
Attitude, flexibility, listening, and asking questions.
Where are you now? And where do you want to be?
1. Positive attitude
Optimistic managers can solve anything and never let their teams down.
They always see the light at the end of the tunnel and can create a kind and welcoming atmosphere.
Many managers love troubleshooting. They like solving challenging issues. But only those who don’t see problems too big are truly successful.
A positive attitude spreads like a virus. People feel secure and confident when their managers are positive. A great book reference is the Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman, Richard E. Boyatzis, and Annie McKee.
2. People-oriented
People-oriented managers are genuinely interested in working with people.
They spend time with their teams. They give a purpose to routine jobs. Nowadays, people do not want to be treated like chairs. They wish to contribute to the business.
People-oriented managers are great at discovering people’s full potential. They let others use it to their best. They value people and praise their work.
Managing and appreciating talent is a big area of management development to foster.
3. Calm but flexible
Managers have to play an active role in tackling stress.
One of the greatest management skills is to be calm and mentally stable. Calm managers make you feel less stressed and optimistic.
Can you react fast? Or are you trembling whenever you have to make a change? The more flexible you are, the better you can handle situations and make decisions.
No one likes working with drama queens and cowards. Always carry a positive attitude with you and be ready for the unexpected. Every day brings new surprises.
4. Train Ears
Effective managers do not listen to themselves but their teams.
Do you listen? I mean: listen and understand. Not just hear what is being said in the background.
Listening is focused work. It is tempting to doodle, check your phone, or zoom out. Managers who are patient and wait for people to express themselves are well-respected. Don’t interrupt others. Some need time to develop their arguments and describe all the facts.
The opposite of talking isn’t listening. The opposite of talking is waiting. - Fran Lebowitz
5. Ask bold questions
Ask as many questions as you can.
No question is too basic or incorrect. The most successful leaders are masters of asking. They ask uncomfortable questions. They make you sweat.
Try this exercise at your next meeting:
Bring up a challenge for your team
Let them think about it for a minute or two
Then ask them questions, but do not provide answers yourself
Questions are a reliable sign of a trustworthy culture. Welcome them.
Final Thought
You can leverage your management a great deal by fostering these qualities. They are like spice to your food. Without them, your management style is more likely to be a bit plain.
P.S. Anything I missed? Let me know.