If you could offer one piece of advice for becoming a better manager, what would it be?
There are varying opinions & perspectives on what it takes to become a good manager. What is one piece of advice you'd give to become a more effective manager?
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Dec 10, 2013
Honest self-evaluation. The more autonomous the manager is, the more critical it becomes. It is much easier to see issues in others than to identify issues in ourselves.
I used to offer my employees the same chance to evaluate me that I had to evaluate them. Anonymous questionnaires with comment ability. Be ready to critically evaluate the them to improve yourself. Even for evals that don't offer good suggestions for self-improvement, it will definitely give you an opportunity to see how that person views themselves and you in the structure of the company. Either way, invaluable information.
Take a look at this for what NOT to do: https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20131209210429-86541065-four-bosses-you-don-t-want-or-want-to-be?trk=tod-home-art-list-large_0
Dec 10, 2013
Have you read the "One Minute Manager"? I think the best way to manage is to get your personnel to "buy into" the company and acknowledge what they are achieving. An incentive program is a great way to accomplish this but as simple and often overlooked practice is to take a minute and thank them at the end of the work day or the end of a project so that they feel appreciated and have a sense of accomplishment. There is a big difference between a job and a career. You want them to be consistently working towards their career: not just coming to work.
Dec 12, 2013
"Actively" listen to what your people are saying. The single most important skill. Most managers think it is important to be "Telling" people what to do all day. While clear communication is also very important, really listening to them is the top priority. Discover what is on their minds, what motivates and de-motivates them and what can you do to clear the path for them to be successful. If you genuinely ask, they will tell.
Dec 12, 2013
If I had to use only one word it would be "listen." Those involved in the daily tasks know best about the problems, possible solutions and best courses to follow. Their contributions will be forthcoming only if there is the belief that they will be heard seriously, and valued for their opinions. Good management practice also demands open communications, fairness, a recognition system (not necessarily money) that helps to build self esteem and a vision that can be shared by all. .
Dec 9, 2013
Foster a culture of innovation in your company where every idea from every collaborator counts, whether they're from the C-suite or the mailroom, and implement a system to reward innovators. You'll be first to market with the next big idea or the next little app, leaving the competition in the dust. And your employees will be motivated to do even better the next time around.
Dec 11, 2013
Good leadership is about empowering others. Not dictating, not micromanaging, not brow-beating, and not certainly doing it all. The best trait for a manager/leader is communication skills - this is how to achieve organization, cooperation, motivation, participation: growth and a positive moral begins and ends with highly effective communication.
Dec 12, 2013
I could offer many pieces of advice...but certainly great listening rises to the top of the list. Listening to your colleagues or those you lead (prefer that word to "manage"), your consumers/customers/clients and your would be consumers/customers/clients.
Dec 12, 2013
Books are great, training, even role playing. But if you ask me a good leader leads by example. Do more, work harder, set the bar high, and your team will follow. Respect is earned not given.
Dec 12, 2013
Before offering unsolicited advice, stop and offer it to yourself first. This helps turn a"thoughtless" comment into a conscious choice. Too many managers try to manage employee thought rather than raise awareness.
Dec 17, 2013
A good manager leads by example. Also, being open minded and listing to what your team has to say, and accepting recommendations. Being able to show consideration and compassion, while still keeping the respect for your position as the manager.
Dec 9, 2013
Hire people better than yourself and help everyone in every way. Managers are leaders and good leaders lift up people and not rule over them. Last, and most important is to show people the what, how, why of your business.
Dec 9, 2013
Lead by example. Don't change your mind too frequently, but be open to suggestions from stakeholders and be willing to give them credit for it. Work hard, play hard.
Dec 10, 2013
Treat your men like family and they will go the the ends of the earth to fight for you. I think I read this from the book "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu.
Lead them firmly by example. Do not tell them to do something that you are not willing and able to do. Inspire them. Train them. Nurture them. Do not spoil them. Do not let them abuse your kindness. Reward them for good deeds and punish them firmly for transgressions. This fosters respect and authority. Make your orders crystal clear.
The Art of War book is an awesome book for strategists, generals and is already being used for managing business and various other applications.
Dec 11, 2013
Actions and example speaks louder than anything else, be reasonable, be fair and give your team the recognition they deserve; if you do that they will support you no matter what...
Dec 11, 2013
I was a retail manager, for 20 plus years and a district manager for 7 and the best advice I can give you is treat your people like you want to be treated. There are tons of books (Good to Great) (The Ten minute Manager) to name a few but nothing works like clear communication and clear expectations. The same thing you would want from your boss. It's that simple.
Dec 11, 2013
Listen to people, rather than talking at them, you need to understand how all parts of the organisation are working and the interface with other members of the organisation, find the weakness and problem areas and then address them
Dec 12, 2013
Listen -- ask your people great questions and listen to them.
Tell the truth all the time.
Give clear instruction then empower your folks.
Treat them with respect.
Help them see how they contribute to success.
Dec 12, 2013
Don't tell people 'how' to do something but 'why' they need to do it. Let them take ownership of the task and come up with their own solution.
Dec 13, 2013
Listen, get to know your staff strenghts and weaknesses and provide support in the most approprate format to enable them to grow and develop personnally and professionally.
Good points here. It is a sign of a good manager to be able to lead by example, and take criticism when things turn out not exactly how they are planned, then make the necessary changes as well to make his/her team more successful.