In today’s fast-paced work environment, the role of a great manager is more critical than ever. Great managers distinguish themselves through their unique approach to leadership, fostering a positive workplace culture and driving team success.
In this blog, we are going to talk about different ways that great managers do to approach things differently than the average person. These are key attributes that will enhance your small business to grow.
Key Examples of What Great Managers do Differently:
1. Prioritize Communication
A great manager holds regular one-on-one meetings with team members. This ensures open lines of communication where employees feel safe sharing ideas, feedback, and concerns. For instance, instead of waiting for annual reviews, they check in quarterly, providing timely feedback that helps employees grow.
2. Empower Their Team
Rather than micromanaging, great managers delegate responsibility and trust their team to make decisions. For instance, a manager in a marketing department might allow a team member to lead a project, providing guidance and support but encouraging them to take ownership. This empowerment boosts morale and fosters professional development. Steve Jobs once stated at his annual Apple Product Launch that he hires people smarter than him.
“The greatest people are self-managing – they do not need to be managed. Once they know what to do, they’ll go figure out how to do it. What they need is a common vision. And that’s what leadership is: having a vision; being able to articulate that so the people around you can understand it; and getting a consensus on a common vision.”
3. Foster a Positive Culture
Great managers create a work environment that emphasizes positivity and inclusivity. They might implement team-building activities or recognition programs to celebrate achievements. For example, a manager who acknowledges individual and team successes in team meetings cultivates a sense of belonging and appreciation.
Work culture is something we talk about often at ClarityHR. In fact, we have a blog on this exact topic if you want to check it out HERE.
4. Encourage Continuous Learning
Great managers invest in their team’s growth by promoting learning opportunities. They might offer access to training programs, workshops, or mentorship. For instance, a tech manager could encourage team members to attend industry conferences, ensuring they stay up-to-updated on trends and innovations.
Sometimes this is also referred to as career mobility. At ClarityHR we encourage teams to leverage learning to empower employees to grow within an organization. If you would like to read more on this topic, please check out the blog HERE.
5. Lead by Example
A great manager embodies the values and work ethics they expect from their team. For example, if they promote work-life balance, they themselves practice by respecting boundaries. One example could be not sending emails after hours. Or not constantly showing up late. This consistency builds trust and respect among team members.
6. Adaptability and Flexibility
Great managers remain flexible in their approach to changing circumstances. When faced with unexpected challenges, such as a shift to remote work, they quickly adapt by implementing new communication tools and adjusting project timelines to support their team’s needs.
7. Value Diversity of Thought
When you have a leader that asks for team input from all team members it is a great recipe for thought diversity. Great managers recognize the strength that diverse perspectives bring to problem-solving. They actively seek input from all team members. This ensures that everyone has a voice.
For instance, during brainstorming sessions, a manager might encourage quieter team members to share their ideas, leading to more innovative solutions. Feedback from all different prospectives is vital to great management.
8. Provide Clear Direction and Vision
Great managers articulate an unobstructed vision for their team. By helping them understand how their work contributes to larger organizational goals. For instance, a manager in a sales team might set specific targets. This helps employees connect to your small businesses mission, inspiring the team to work cohesively towards shared objectives.
For instance, at ClarityHR we have every new employee read the same book. This book is a wonderful way to frame the company culture we have within our team. It is called “The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon. You can read more about the book and why we chose it for our team HERE. (https://clarityhr.com/a-book-for-team-building-the-energy-bus-by-jon-gordon)
9. Practice Empathy
Great managers are attuned to their team members’ emotional needs. They might notice when an employee is struggling and offers support. Whether through flexible work arrangements or just a listening ear HR has the keys to empathy.
Through an empathetic approach, it fosters loyalty and encourages employees to feel valued. That is one of the reasons ClarityHR is such a terrific addition to your team as a small business owner. We get to know your employees and we want them to come forward with questions and concerns. Empathy is vital to managing people effectively in a good working environment.
10. Encourage Feedback and Self-Reflection
Great managers create a feedback-rich environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts on management practices. For instance, they might implement anonymous surveys to gather insights about their leadership style and make adjustments, accordingly. When done well, this can be a great tool for demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.
How Can ClarityHR Help You Become a Better Manager as a Small Business Owner?
Great managers do not just focus on tasks and results; they prioritize their team’s development, well-being, and engagement. Steve Jobs once said, “It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.”
By fostering a supportive and dynamic environment, they not only achieve success but also inspire their team to reach new heights. Emulating these practices can help any manager become more effective, leading to a happier and more productive workforce. Contact Us today to learn more about how ClarityHR can help your small business develop great management skills.