At the heart of any successful business lies a great manager; one who sets the professional tone for their team and has an integral part to play in its overall success. Poor management can be disheartening, causing stress and frustration within an office, as well as having detrimental effects on productivity, morale, and employee retention rates.
Every employee wants to work with a competent leader who does the right thing but what does it take to become a good manager? Here are some essential traits that all managers with direct reports need.
Clear communication
A successful manager has excellent communication abilities. They can express what is needed in any circumstance and articulate their expectations while making everyone feel respected. A proficient communicator also knows how to actively listen and comprehend what others are communicating prior to responding with their own opinion or solution. Outstanding managers are able to give feedback in such a way that it motivates employees to develop without leaving them feeling dejected. It is essential for a manager to be aware of the words they choose when relaying messages so that negative feedback serves as an educational experience instead of crushing morale.
Good managers should additionally have the capability to share their knowledge in order to support their personnel grow and advance. Furthermore, effective communication implies honesty, transparency, and knowing when it's time for listening. Employees should feel comfortable talking back, particularly if they need assistance or there is an issue at hand.
Shows an appreciation for hard work
The ideal boss is one who shows gratitude for the sweat and effort their team put in. They understand that success takes a collective effort. When employees feel valued, they are more motivated to stretch themselves further, resulting in a better output. By showing appreciation, bosses create an encouraging work environment and foster goodwill among the team. This helps build strong relationships with their staff members — even in remote settings where communication and physical presence are limited. Small gifts such as gift cards or treats can go a long way towards expressing gratitude towards your employees if there’s budget for it; don't forget to celebrate minor accomplishments too! In the end, recognition has tremendous power - almost all people look for satisfaction when it comes to work-related activities.
Provides feedback and coaching
Providing meaningful feedback is an essential part of any successful team dynamic. As a manager, it's important to ensure that your staff receive timely advice and guidance in order to help them reach their full potential. With regular feedback comes the opportunity to build trust, encourage collaboration and foster ongoing learning - essential components for high-performing teams.
Coaching is a powerful tool for professional development and growth. It involves offering support and feedback to employees, encouraging them to reach their highest potential in both their personal and professional lives. The most successful managers are those who view themselves not just as leaders but also coaches - individuals whose priority is inspiring and motivating staff with respect to their emotional well-being. Through training, managers can identify areas of improvement, providing assistance in the most effective way possible with minimal disruption. Coaching offers employees the opportunity to thrive both on an individual level and within the workplace environment as a whole, ultimately creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Delegation
An accomplished leader understands the importance of effective delegation. They are perceptive in discerning which duties need to be completed, and they possess faith in their team's capabilities when allocating responsibilities.
Decisive
Strong and decisive leadership is a hallmark of excellent management. Poor bosses are prone to being unable to come to an agreement, or letting the process drag on for too long. Even if the decision is right in the end, it is equally as important how that decision was made - quickly, with conviction and confidence. Leaders who take too long can set their organization back further by damaging its reputation beyond repair, whereas mistakes can always be corrected.
A good boss must have certain qualities in order to lead and motivate their team effectively. A good boss should be decisive, show an appreciation for hard work, and be able to provide feedback and coaching. If you think you possess these qualities and are looking for a new job opportunity, make sure to check out the JOBS section of our AIMS International Malta website and apply today!