When it comes to management, some things simply get the job done.
Google recently tried to prove that managers have no effect on production, but their experiences have pointed them in a different direction. A GREAT manager can make a huge difference in any situation, and management is a critical component in a highly-functional system.
Google’s search for a way to disprove that managers are necessary led them to a few key discoveries about the key traits that a great manager has. These were their findings.
- A great manager is a coach and a mentor. A manager can serve more than just one robotic purpose; it’s the human element that can make a huge difference. A great manager is one that lifts up those around them.
- A great manager has a clear strategy for their team. If a manager can strategize well, productivity will inevitably go up.
- A great manager doesn’t micromanage a team, but instead empowers them. No one likes to be micromanaged, and if a manager has to micromanage a team, something is clearly wrong. A great manager is a great strategist, and this implies both a clear strategy for the tasks at hand, as well as a clear strategy when it comes to dealing with team members effectively.
- A great manager supports their subordinates in their development and discusses their performance with them.
- Similarly to point 4, a great manager shows concern for their team’s well-being and success. This is another place where the human element is critical. Any manager can dish out tasks and annoy the team until they get it done, but a great manager acts as the head of a team. Teamwork often means looking out for the well-being and success of others.
- A great manager has the expertise to guide their team to success. Without expertise in guidance, a manager lacks what it takes to truly be a great manager. A great manager knows how to guide their team through the work they are tasked with.
- A great manager is driven by results. This may sound simple, but everything listed above is a part of getting good results. As such, a great manager is a master strategist that knows how to deal with people to achieve results, whereas a bad manager simply expects results without their managerial skills being applied.
- A great manager focuses on collaboration. If everyone is working together for a common goal, then the job will be done more effectively.
- A great manager is a good communicator. Communication makes up a significant portion of a manager’s job, so communication skills are important for a great manager.
- Lastly, a great manager is a strong decision maker. A manager has to be strong and measured in their decisions, or they won’t have the respect of their team.
