The role of a manager is pivotal within any organization, holding the power to influence not only the atmosphere of the workplace but also the very productivity and morale of the team. As an executive leadership coach, I’ve seen the transformative effect that adept management can have on a company’s success. But what does it take to excel in a managerial position from the outset? Let’s explore the essential strategies that can elevate you to successful management.
The Impact of Management on Employee Engagement: The connection between effective management and employee engagement is undeniable. Research, including a comprehensive study by Gallup, underscores that managers are the primary factor affecting employee engagement levels. Engaged employees often reflect a workplace where managers are supportive, communicative, and emotionally intelligent. These leaders foster an environment that affects all aspects of business performance, from customer satisfaction and profitability to productivity and turnover.
Building Blocks of Successful Management: To step into successful management, one must embody certain key characteristics that are universally acknowledged by extensive research:
Effective Communication: Clear, honest communication is the linchpin of successful management. It involves listening actively, fostering open dialogue, and articulating the team’s mission in a way that aligns with the organization’s goals.
Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness: A manager with high emotional intelligence can empathize, build trust, and maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of challenges. They are aware of their own emotions and can navigate interpersonal dynamics judiciously.
Commitment to Team Success: The best managers are those who are deeply invested in their team’s success. They coach, provide constructive feedback, delegate effectively, and create a culture where innovation and feedback are encouraged.
Crafting Your Managerial Approach: Transitioning from individual contributor to a managerial role requires a shift in skills. It’s no longer about doing but enabling others to do. Successful managers harness their technical abilities to resolve issues while leveraging soft skills to inspire and lead their teams.
Empathy and Compassion: The modern manager communicates with empathy, building trust and ensuring psychological safety within the team. Regular one-on-one meetings addressing challenges and offering feedback are crucial.
Flexibility and Inclusion: Supporting flexible work arrangements and championing inclusive practices are non-negotiable for today’s manager. Embracing technology aids in engaging and connecting with team members across various platforms.
Harnessing Individual Strengths: Adept managers focus on leveraging each team member’s unique strengths. They realize that most of their managerial success stems from well-developed soft skills.
Coaching for Growth: Managers who double as effective coaches see significantly higher engagement and effort from their teams. Employees value skill development, and when their managers invest in their growth, they are more likely to stay committed to the organization.
Encouraging Innovation and Engagement: Creating a space where employees feel innovative and engaged is vital. This atmosphere is fostered by managers who demonstrate empathy and are willing to show vulnerability.
The Path to Successful Management: Leadership training can be a significant accelerator on your journey to becoming a successful manager. Courses designed with managerial success in mind provide you with the necessary skills and practical tools to excel.
Stepping into a management role is a significant transition that involves not just a change in tasks but also a shift in mindset. By focusing on communication, emotional intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to your team’s growth, you can quickly establish yourself as a successful manager.
Lead From Within: Management isn’t just a title; it’s a series of deliberate actions and choices that shape your path and influence those around you.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.