Being a Successful Manager
As you make your way through your career, you’re going to be expected to take on different roles with more responsibility. One of the most important roles in the workplace is that of a manager. Being in charge of a group of people can be a tall ask if you’re unsure what to do and how to do it.
Here are some tips to help you excel as a manager.
Listen to what others have to say- One of the most important aspects of being in a leadership position is that, rather than completely dictate all tasks, you listen to the opinions of your team members. Finding out what your team members have to say can not only help them respect you as a manager, but also maybe improve your own work.
Learn to plan effectively- As a manager you’ll have to juggle a number of people doing a variety of tasks, and to do that will take good planning skills. Before starting a task, think through the timings and logistics of it to get a rough idea of what sort of planning you should be doing.
Know when to delegate- You may think that because you’re the manager you should take on the brunt of the workload, but that way of thinking is inefficient and beside the point of working with a team. Try and learn what skills your team members possess and what tasks they’ll be best suited to work on. This will mean you get the most high quality work done in the quickest time possible.
Put in the work as well- On the flip side, your colleagues aren’t going to appreciate being told what to do by someone who doesn’t put in the work themselves. Make sure you’re seen to be doing your fair share in the tasks you assign.
Have a positive attitude- When you’re in a leadership role your team-mates will be looking to you for guidance, and if you act moody and defeatist, then anyone working under you isn’t going to respond well. Having a cheery attitude and keeping a smile on your face can make a world of difference in the workplace.
Show your colleagues you appreciate them- Again, this is something to keep up team morale. If your team members know you value the work they’re doing, they’re going to be much more likely to keep doing it well.
Be friendly but professional- There’s a fine line to tread between being on good terms with your colleagues, and treating your working relationship too casually. While that’s not to say you can’t be friends with your colleagues, but when in a working environment where they’re technically working under you, it’s best to keep things professional while in the workplace.
Share credit- Don’t take sole praise for work done by your whole team; your team members won’t appreciate it, and it can make you look selfish. When tasks go well, make sure to credit your whole team, since it was, after all, a team effort.
Talk to other managers- If you ever feel out of your depth or unsure about something, it’s worth talking to other managers that you know or work with. There’s no shame in asking for help and getting advice from your peers, and you’ll be a stronger leader for it.