There have been volumes written and countless studies done on how to improve as a manager, regardless of your industry or the size of the team you lead. But the key to success lies in that very last word: lead. Because the best managers out there aren’t just managers. They’re leaders.
“Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better.” (Bill Bradley)
Among the top leadership skills is a person’s ability to know what their employees need to succeed in their own jobs, and then meeting those needs. Managers who stand out as true leaders accomplish this in several ways. As outlined by Gallup in the criteria for its Exceptional Workplace Award, these shining stars tend to share common behaviors including:
“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
A key aspect of management success is being a person whom others want to follow. Every action you take during your management tenure at an organization helps determine whether or not this will be the case. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Build relationships.
“Great leaders are willing to sacrifice the numbers to save the people. Poor leaders sacrifice the people to save the numbers.” (Simon Sinek)
Get to know each of your employees as people, not just cogs to keep the corporate wheel turning.
Communicate often and well.
“Leadership is the act of giving people a platform for spreading ideas that work.” (Seth Godin)
Communicate effectively in person, print, texts, emails, and verbal interactions. If necessary, sharpen your skills in areas like active listening, public speaking, and confrontation and conflict resolution.
The PrideStaff team is here to help your staff and manage your workforce more effectively – and develop stronger leadership skills in yourself and your team members in the process. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.
