qualities of a good manager

Building your ‘dream team’ starts with strong foundations – a good manager being at the centre of all productive and successful workforces. 30% of UK employees cite a lack of trust in their manager as a major reason for leaving their job (Talent Works International, 2023) – this statistic alone shows why having skilled managers in place can and will affect your organisation.

Not only do managers lead and guide employees, but they are a direct reflection of the business as a whole, hence why investing in your managerial conduct is highly important.

With emPerform, reviews, feedback and ongoing appraisals are made easy – we understand what it takes to manage a workforce effectively. Read more about the 8 qualities of a good manager in our blog…

1. Effective Communicator

To become a good manager, you must be a master of communication – we believe this is one of the key attributes to a successful management team. Being an effective communicator doesn’t just relate to your own voice, but also listening to others. Active listening skills, the ability to efficiently relay feedback in a constructive manner and being open and honest are attributes that make a strong manager.

A 2022 CIPD report found that only 32% of UK employees feel their manager effectively communicates the organisation’s vision and goals, potentially highlighting a shocking gap in leadership clarity.

2. Visionary Leader

Having a clear vision inspires team buy-in and drives performance – it might sound simple, but sometimes the ‘vision’ can be lost if managers aren’t briefed correctly or if they don’t have the right leadership skills.

A good manager paints a vivid image of the future state, making even complex goals feel achievable and exciting.

It’s understandable that businesses will go through highs and lows, however, having a visionary leader will encourage the team to believe in future business growth and developments.

3. Motivational Coach

In the realm of motivational coaching, the key to success lies in recognising and harnessing individual strengths within a team dynamic. Great managers understand the unique talents each team member possesses and employ personalised coaching strategies to fuel their success.

emPerform allows you to engage and develop employees with easy online reviews, self-assessment, and ad-hoc appraisals that can be accessed anywhere, anytime.

By emphasising positive reinforcement and providing constructive feedback, managers create an environment that not only acknowledges individual strengths but also facilitates continuous growth. This approach not only boosts morale but also cultivates a motivated and empowered team, ready to conquer new heights of achievement.

4. Delegation Specialist

Effective delegation is a skill that goes beyond task management—it involves building confidence, instilling a sense of ownership, and fostering accountability within the team. Managers who excel in delegation understand the importance of clear expectations and trust.

By entrusting team members with responsibilities and empowering them to make decisions, managers cultivate independent thinkers and problem-solvers. This not only enhances individual skills but also frees up valuable time for managers to focus on strategic tasks, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the team

A 2023 ONS report revealed that 86% of UK employees feel empowered to make decisions without seeking permission from their manager, suggesting a positive trend Towardss effective delegation in some workplaces.

5. Empathetic Listener

In the realm of leadership, the ability to be an empathetic listener plays a pivotal role in building trust and fostering open communication. Managers who prioritise emotional intelligence create a safe space for team members to express concerns.

Active listening, coupled with genuine empathy, allows for the validation of concerns and the collaborative development of solutions that benefit everyone. By embracing the power of empathy, managers not only resolve issues constructively but also cultivate a culture of trust and respect within the team.

6. Conflict Navigator

Conflict is an inevitable aspect of any team dynamic, but skilled managers can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth. Conflict navigation involves facilitating open communication, addressing disagreements productively, and finding common ground.

Managers adept at conflict resolution ensure that team members feel heard and understood, leading to a united front – by transforming friction into constructive dialogueue, managers contribute to the overall harmony of the team, fostering an environment conducive to collaboration and success.

7. Results-Orientated Strategist

Successful managers understand the importance of meticulous planning and goal-setting. Setting measurable goals, developing clear action plans, and tracking progress through performance metrics are essential components of their approach.

These managers embrace a data-driven mindset, employing SMART goals and adapting strategies as needed. By providing a clear roadmap for success, they inspire their teams to work cohesively Towardss shared objectives, ensuring continuous improvement and achievement of organisational goals.

8. Lifelong Learner

In a rapidly evolving professional landscape, effective managers position themselves as lifelong learners, setting the tone for their teams. They foster a culture of continuous learning, prioritising personal development and upskilling to adapt to change.

Leading by example, these managers show enthusiasm for ongoing learning, encouraging their teams to embrace new challenges and stay agile. By staying ahead of the curve, they ensure that their teams are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the ever-changing business environment.

We encourage organisations to reflect on their own leadership style and identify areas for improvement when it comes to their management team – as the industry evolves, so should managers.

 

If you want to embark on your journey Towards a better HR and employee feedback system – we’re here to help. emPerform gives you rich insights into performance and talent so you can make better decisions – this includes peer reviews and upward feedback, manager dashboards and status reports and much more.

Get started with emPerform today.