7 Golden Rules for Becoming a Better Manager
Even if you’re a natural leader, being a manager can be challenging. It’s not enough to rely on innate abilities — being a good boss means giving it your all and investing in your team.
And when someone isn’t satisfied with their manager, they often take action. A Gallup report estimated that 75% of American employees who quit do so because of a bad boss, not because of the position itself.
If you don’t want to be that boss, keep reading to learn seven ways to be a great manager.
1. Listen
Just because you’re in a position of power doesn’t mean your opinion is the only one that matters. Your job is to help your team members perform at their best, which means listening to their input and suggestions. While you have to provide leadership, you also need to listen to feedback as your employees bring your vision to life.
2. Communicate
The term “open door policy” is thrown around a lot, but it can actually make quite a difference. If employees can truly approach their manager about differences of opinion or grievances, a trusting relationship will develop, which will only improve their job satisfaction. It’s also important to give constructive feedback and frequently communicate expectations, so everyone is on the same page.
3. Empower Your Team
It may be difficult to transition into management, as you’re not necessarily cranking out the work quite like you were. But it’s important to rise to the occasion and truly take a step back and empower your staff to do their best work. Your job now is to delegate, be supportive, and not micromanage. Try to give your employees the resources and help they need to succeed, sharpen their skills, and take on more responsibility.
4. Recognize Achievements
Recognizing your employees’ achievements is important. It boosts morale and encourages future hard work while further establishing you as a supportive manager. But beyond giving kudos, you really need to value your staff. This means fostering their growth, investing in their career path, and providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive.
5. Be a Problem Solver
As a manager, you may no longer always have the option of running a problem up the food chain to be solved. Your employees will look to you when they need guidance, and you need to be able to help them work through even the toughest of times.
6. Be Transparent
You don’t want to be an enigma to your staff. They shouldn’t have to guess what you’re thinking — you need to be honest and forthcoming. This means always communicating clearly (especially when there’s an issue), setting clear goals, and having frequent one-on-one check-ins. People want to know how they’re doing and what’s going on with the company, and it’s your job to keep them informed.
7. Employ Emotional Intelligence
Being in tune with your employees means recognizing signs of burnout, anxiety, or lack of motivation and being empathetic toward them. The sooner you pick up on cues that they might need your help, the more you can give them the assistance they need to get back on track.
No matter what kind of management style you have, one thing is critical: that you always strive to be better. Being in charge of other people’s careers is a big task, and it’s your job to take that seriously and be the best manager you can be.