Top 10 Manager Qualities to be a Successful Manager
Finding a successful manager who can strike the perfect balance between creating a positive work atmosphere, driving productivity, motivating employees, and nurturing their leadership qualities is challenging. As per Gallup, managers account for 70% of the employee turnover ratio. The impact of selecting a bad boss can have disastrous consequences, and it will certainly affect the bottom line, even if indirectly. Managers must possess key qualities to help their teams and organizations thrive.
This article will explore 10 essential manager qualities that distinguish successful managers and contribute to team success and employee engagement.
What are the Top 10 Manager Qualities for Success?
Effective managers drive team success and foster employee engagement within organizations. They possess unique qualities that enable them to inspire, motivate, and guide their teams toward achieving goals and maximizing productivity. These managers create a positive work environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. Let’s take a deeper look at successful manager qualities.
1. Effective Communication
Communication is crucial in a managerial role as one must interact with everyone from the leadership team to employees and vendors. Successful managers are skilled at conveying information clearly and effectively to their team members. They ensure that expectations are communicated, provide timely feedback, and encourage open dialogue within the team. Therefore, this promotes understanding, and collaboration, and creates a positive work environment.
2. Strong Work Ethics
A study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that employees who perceive their managers to have strong work ethics are more likely to exhibit higher job satisfaction and loyalty. Managers with strong work ethics show up on time, maintain integrity in their actions, and exhibit dedication to their work. Embodying these qualities inspires their team members to adopt similar work ethics and contribute their best efforts.
3. Goal Setting
Successful managers set clear, achievable goals for their teams. They align these goals with the organization’s objectives and provide guidance on how to accomplish them. By setting a clear direction, managers create a sense of purpose and motivate their team to work towards common objectives.
4. Knowledge Management
This deep understanding allows them to offer valuable insights, guidance, and mentorship to their team members. Therefore, a successful manager must possess in-depth knowledge of their field and stay updated on industry trends. By sharing their expertise, managers empower their teams and help them make informed decisions.
5. Empowering and Inspiring
Successful managers must know how to delegate tasks, grant autonomy, and create an environment that encourages innovation, creativity, and personal growth. They must inspire their team to think outside the box, take ownership of their work, and contribute their unique talents and ideas.
6. Support for Employees
According to a survey by Glassdoor, a majority of employees believe that access to resources and support from their managers positively impacts their job satisfaction and engagement.
Therefore, managers must provide the necessary support, such as tools and information, when working from home to help their team members succeed. Additionally, they must remove obstacles and offer guidance when needed, ensuring their team can perform at their best.
7. Recognizing Scope for Upskilling Team Members
Successful managers recognize the importance of continuous learning and invest in the development of their team. They provide training opportunities, encourage professional growth, and support their team members in acquiring new skills. This not only enhances individual capabilities, but IT also contributes to the team’s overall success.
8. Encouraging and Helpful
Successful managers provide constructive feedback and encouragement to their team members. They recognize achievements, offer praise, and assist when needed. By creating a positive work environment, managers boost morale and foster a sense of appreciation and motivation within the team.
9. Adept at Conflict Resolution
Conflict is inevitable in any team. Successful managers address conflicts and challenges promptly and effectively. They promote healthy communication, encourage collaboration, and facilitate finding resolutions that benefit both the team and the organization. This fosters a harmonious and productive work environment.
10. Serving as a Role Model
Successful managers set a positive example for their team. They display the qualities they expect from their employees, such as professionalism, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. By being role models, managers inspire their team members to emulate those qualities and strive for success.
ALSO READ: Essential Good Manager Qualities for Thriving in a Digital World
How Can a Manager Improve Employee Engagement and Team Success
Did you know that improving employee engagement can significantly impact team success? According to a Gallup study, organizations with highly engaged employees experience 17% higher productivity and 21% greater profitability than those with disengaged employees. Here are some effective strategies managers can implement to enhance employee engagement and contribute to team success:
Model Company Values and Mission:
According to a research study by Gallup, an impressive 70% of engaged employees strongly believe that their managers set a good example of the desired culture and behavior within their organization. This statistic highlights managers’ significant impact on the employees and the organization. When managers demonstrate a clear commitment to these principles, it creates a sense of purpose and direction for employees, fostering a positive work environment where individuals feel motivated and inspired to contribute their best.
Support Employees’ Physical and Mental Health
Employee well-being plays a crucial role in engagement and productivity. Managers can prioritize their team’s well-being by promoting work-life balance, offering flexible schedules, and providing resources for mental health support.
Recognize and Reward Top Performers
Recognizing and appreciating employees’ hard work and achievements boosts morale and encourages continued excellence. In fact, a survey by Globoforce found that 88% of employees said being recognized motivates them in their job. Acknowledging top performers regularly reinforces their commitment and inspires others to strive for excellence.
Encourage Passion Projects
Allowing employees to pursue their passion projects or initiatives related to their interests can significantly increase their engagement and job satisfaction. A survey conducted by Deloitte revealed that employees who have the opportunity to work on projects demonstrate higher levels of loyalty toward their organization.
Provide Professional Development and Career Path Options
Offering opportunities for growth and advancement is crucial for employee engagement. A LinkedIn study found that 94% of employees would stay longer in a company that invests in their professional development. Managers can support employees by providing training, mentorship, and clear career progression paths.
How Can Emeritus Help Aspiring Managers?
Emeritus provides different leadership courses specifically tailored to aspiring managers’ needs. These courses cover various management aspects, including leadership, communication, decision-making, strategy, and team management.
Emeritus partners with top-tier universities and institutions to deliver courses facilitated by experienced and accomplished faculty members. Aspiring managers can benefit from the expertise and insights of renowned professors who bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the virtual classroom.
