In 2008, Google famously removed its managers from the company. Their engineering team—the bread and butter of their business—hated the bureaucracy of management.
And so a hypothesis was made: managers don’t matter.
As we’ve all come to find out, the experiment failed. Google soon realized businesses need managers.
While this experiment wasn’t successful, it did raise a few important questions: what is the role of a manager? How can businesses find success while also creating a positive company culture through management?
Let’s take a deep dive into the role of a manager in today’s workplace, and how you can become an effective leader.
Skip to What You Need to Know:
A Business Manager’s Day-to-Day
The typical day-to-day of a manager looks something like this: they set goals, manage performance, create accountability, and hold team members accountable.
Managers are responsible for keeping teams organized and the business on track to meet its goals.
However, there’s more to the job of a manager than checklists and deadlines.
Managers need to understand how to motivate and inspire their teams. They should be able to foster meaningful relationships with their employees in order to create an effective and positive work environment.
What Makes A Great Manager?
1. Growth-Oriented
Managers should be focused on growth, whether it’s for the individuals on their team or the business as a whole. They should have a clear vision of where they want to take the team and should be able to lead them toward that goal.
2. Communicates Effectively
The manager should be able to communicate with their team effectively and efficiently. They should be able to address issues promptly, convey expectations clearly, and understand the different opinions of each employee.
3. Collaborates With Other Departments Efficiently
Managers should be able to work with other departments and collaborate on projects. They need to identify what resources are required, delegate tasks, and ensure that everyone is on board with the strategy.
4. Provides Best Approaches When Making Decisions
A great business manager can make decisions quickly and effectively. They understand the impact of their choices and always strive to find the best approach for their team.
5. Possesses Advanced Technical Abilities
Managers should have a good understanding of the technology and processes used in their business. This will allow them to identify problems better, develop solutions, and explore new opportunities.
6. Empowers The Team And Doesn’t Micromanage
A good manager knows when to step back and let their team do what they do best. They provide the resources to empower their employees and trust them to make decisions on their own.
7. Inclusive And Focuses On The Team’s Well-Being
A great manager is inclusive, understanding, and compassionate. They focus on the well-being of their team and ensure that everyone feels valued and appreciated.
8. Devoted On The Team’s Career Development
A great manager should be devoted to helping their team grow and develop in their careers. They should provide the tools, resources, and advice needed for employees to reach their full potential.
Do you have the qualities of a good manager?
If you have the qualities of a good manager, why not take the initiative and mentor potential employees in your business? Your team will thank you.
Ask yourself:
- Do I provide clear communication and guidance to my team?
- Can I make decisions quickly and effectively?
- Do I delegate tasks and empower my employees?
- Do I foster an inclusive environment that focuses on everyone’s well-being?
How To Hire The Right Manager?
Business owners may wear many hats, including managing, leading, and problem-solving. But as businesses grow, the need for an experienced manager to oversee operations and create a positive company culture becomes more essential.
When choosing the right manager for your team, consider the following:
- Experience
Be sure to ask potential managers about their previous experience with managing a team and how they can bring that experience to your business. - Skill Set
Look for a manager who has the right skill set needed to lead your team and company in the right direction.
- Leadership Style
Consider their natural leadership style and whether it’ll fit in with your company’s mission and culture.
Gallup’s research shows that the likelihood of businesses hiring the wrong managers is 82%
While the numbers may be daunting, it’s worth taking the time to find someone who will lead your team to success.
That’s why it’s important to do your research and find someone who has the qualities necessary for good management, is knowledgeable about the industry, and passionate about helping your team reach its goals.
Here are possible questions you can ask your potential candidate:
- What strategies have you used in the past to motivate employees?
- What experience do you have leading a team?
- How would you handle a conflict between two employees?
- What challenges have you faced as a manager, and how did you deal with them?
- Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
- What do you think makes an effective team leader?
How To Turn Employees Into Managers?
Sometimes, employees within a company can have the potential to become great managers. If you want to turn your current employees into managers, here are some tips:
- Make Sure They Want the Job
Being a manager is a big responsibility; only some are willing to take it on. Ensure each candidate you consider has the ambition and drive to take on the job before proceeding.
- Provide Training and Development Opportunities
If one of your employees wants to become a manager, give them the tools they need to succeed in their new role. Consider enrolling them in workshops or offering them on-the-job training.
- Establish Clear Expectations and Goals
Ensure that your new manager understands the expectations of their role and the team’s overall goals. This will help ensure they have the direction they need to be successful.
- Support Them in Their Transition
During times of transition, it’s essential to give your new manager the support they need. Showing your appreciation for their hard work and dedication will go a long way in helping them adjust to their new role.
- Be A Good Mentor
Managers are only as good as the people who help them become great. As a mentor, you can give your managers the guidance they need to excel.
Following these steps, you can turn existing employees into managers and help your business benefit from their experience and expertise.
How To Encourage a Positive Company Culture Through Management
Here’s one important thing to remember: as a business owner, you can delegate certain tasks and responsibilities to a manager. But ultimately, you are also the manager’s manager. That means it’s important to set the tone and encourage a positive company culture through management.
Here are some tips for doing this:
- Provide Regular Feedback
Make sure your managers receive regular feedback from you on their performance. This will let them know you are paying attention to their progress and help them identify areas for improvement.
- Encourage Personal Growth
Support your managers in their personal and professional development outside of work. Offer them access to books, resources, or other materials that can help them grow as individuals.
- Engage in Team-Building Activities
Help your managers build strong relationships with their teams by engaging in team-building activities. This can create a positive work environment and foster collaboration between team members.
- Create Opportunities for Professional Development
Provide your managers with the opportunity to attend workshops or seminars related to their field. This will help them stay up-to-date on industry trends and give them the skills they need to be successful.
Managing Through Mentorship: The Sweet Spot of Good Management
The best managers understand that their role is not just to manage but also to mentor. This means creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere where employees can develop, grow, and take on challenging roles with confidence.
This kind of management style allows for open communication between team members, fosters collaboration and innovation, and provides valuable feedback that can help employees improve their performance.
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Our team of experienced professionals has what it takes to develop a comprehensive and effective growth marketing strategy tailored to your needs.
Drop us a message today to learn more about how we can work together to get your business growing.
