What makes a good manager?

Being a good manager is essential to the success of any business or organisation. A good manager not only ensures that the company’s goals are met but also creates a positive work environment for employees. There are several qualities that make a good manager, and in this article, we will discuss some of the most important ones.

Effective Communication Skills
Good communication is crucial in any workplace, and a good manager should have excellent communication skills. They should be able to communicate with their team members effectively, listen actively, and provide clear and concise instructions. They should also be able to provide feedback in a constructive and respectful manner. Knowing exactly how a person likes to be communicated with (and how your communication style might rub them up the wrong way) is significantly enhanced if you understand that person’s drives and needs. Use a tool like The Predictive Index to gain insight into your own, and others’ communication preferences.

Leadership Skills
A good manager should be a good leader. They should have the ability to inspire, motivate and lead their team to success. A good leader is not just someone who gives orders and expects them to be followed blindly. Instead, they lead by example and are willing to roll up their sleeves and work alongside their team to achieve their goals. Find out what your strengths as a leader are by taking the 5-minute Predictive Index assessment.

Strong Decision-Making Abilities
A good manager should be able to make sound decisions quickly and effectively. They should be able to weigh the pros and cons of each decision and make the best choice for the company. A good manager should also be able to adapt to changes in the business environment and adjust their decisions accordingly.

Ability to Delegate Tasks
A good manager should have the ability to delegate tasks effectively. They should know the strengths and weaknesses of their team members and assign tasks accordingly. The success of delegation also depends heavily on knowing whether the person being delegated to needs lots of detail, or broad strokes; significant structure and direction or loosely-defined guidelines; autonomy or support; tightly managed deadlines or the opportunity to self-manage. Delegating tasks also allows the manager to focus on other important aspects of the business.

Time Management Skills
A good manager should have strong time management skills. They should be able to prioritise tasks, manage their time effectively, and ensure that deadlines are met. A good manager should also be able to recognise when they need to ask for help or delegate tasks to others to ensure that everything gets done on time.

Empathy and Understanding
A good manager should be empathetic and understanding. They should be able to put themselves in their team members’ shoes and understand their needs and concerns. This not only helps to build a positive work environment but also promotes employee retention and loyalty.

A good manager is an essential part of any successful business or organisation. They should have excellent communication and leadership skills, strong decision-making abilities, the ability to delegate tasks, strong time management skills, and be empathetic and understanding. By possessing these qualities, a good manager becomes a great manager and can inspire, motivate, and lead their team to success.