Being
a manager in any industry can be a fulfilling job, but it can also be a
difficult one. You will need to find the right balance of friendliness and
authority. You will need to create a good team atmosphere whilst achieving the
bigger goals. So how do you strike that balance?
1.
Do Your Job
First
and foremost do your own job. Managing people isn’t an excuse to let them do
the work whilst you look on. Of course, sometimes your job may involve being
more strategic but your staff will respect you for doing what needs to be done
and being willing to pitch in like everyone else at times. Many of us have had
managers who use their role as an excuse to do less or attend more meetings.
Get the balance right and earn respect from your staff.
2.
Acknowledge The Positive
See
the positives in your staff and their work. Don’t be one of those bosses who
only sees what’s missing rather than what’s been achieved. It is demoralizing
for staff to have someone only see what they have done ‘wrong’. Positivity
breeds positivity. Genuine and meaningful praise goes a long way. If this is
difficult for you, get in the habit of noting down positive things you notice
about how your staff work. Give feedback regularly and let them know that you
see the good work they do.
Don’t
Be Afraid to Manage
Things
don’t always go smoothly in any workplace. You are a manager, so you must be
willing to manage. Some people find it hard to set boundaries or give feedback
but it is important to get over that hurdle. If you need some help with this
don’t be afraid to ask your own boss for help or request training. It doesn’t
come naturally to everyone. You can make a work situation worse by not being
clear with staff if you are hesitant about managing. People appreciate genuine
leadership. Practice managing and making the tough decisions. These things get
easier with practice but people will appreciate knowing where you stand and any
changes they need to make.
3.
Be Vulnerable
If
you make a mistake, be big about it and apologize. It can be scary and seem
like you are making yourself vulnerable, but your staff will appreciate your
honesty. No one expects a manager to be super human. Everyone likes someone who
takes responsibility for your actions. Being honest will help you create a
culture of honesty.
4.
Be Real With People
The
way we work is changing. You don’t have to be superhuman or untouchable. Be the
real human being that you are. Let people at work know about your life and find
out about others. If you let people know the “real you” it is much easier than
having different personalities for your work and home life.
Communicate
Let
your staff know what’s going on behind the scenes, as appropriate. If something
will affect a member of staff, make sure they are included in the
communication. This doesn’t mean you have to let your staff know everything.
Sometimes keeping communications back until the correct time can save panic and
needless worrying. Communicate appropriately and consistently but be aware of
how communication (or lack of it) can affect your staff.
5.
Lead By Example
If
you want your staff to behave in a certain way (professional, good team
players), then lead by example. It is not fair to expect your staff to do
something if you are not doing it yourself.
6.
Be Self Aware
Be
aware of your moods and how you communicate. You may not realise how much of an
impact you have on your team as a manager. You may know you are in a bad mood
about the dog chewing your shoes this morning but staff may feel that they have
done something wrong if they don’t know this! Be aware of how and what you
communicate. Your team will pick up on it.
7.
Have Fun
Having
fun at work can help make the work easier for everyone, forge positive
relationships and strengthen your team. There is usually room for more fun in
any work environment, but if the nature of your work makes that difficult, be
sure to schedule fun activities when you can. Meeting for lunch or drinks after
work can help build relationships and help your team to see you and each other
in a new light. If you create a positive work atmosphere it also becomes easier
to deal with challenges as they arise.
8.
Trust Yourself
At
the end of the day, there is no one right way to be a manager. Trust yourself
and learn through your mistakes.
Managing others is a great way to develop and enhance your leadership
skills and create a positive work experience for yourself and others.
Are
you or have you been a manager? What advice would you add to this list?
Thanks & Regards
Avinash Pillai
URL : http://avinashpillai.blogspot.com
Email: avinashp25[AT]gmail[DOT]com
Avinash Pillai
URL : http://avinashpillai.blogspot.com
Email: avinashp25[AT]gmail[DOT]com
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