Making a Good Manager Great

Managing people, time and other resources is an art form. It takes practice, and it’s not something that everyone’s cut out for. But for those who do show a knack for making things happen, managing people can still be a real challenge. Even the best manager finds himself or herself struggling at times to get their team focused and on track. At times like this, just a few minor pointers can make even a good manager great.

Work With Strengths

People have strengths; make the best of them. Just as one person might be perfectly suited to play the role of manager, another person might have training or talents that lend themselves toward a particular aspect of the project. Pair problems with uniquely qualified problem-solvers; you’ll save yourself a lot of stress that way.

Communication is Key

If it’s been said once, it’s been said a million times: communication is key. Make sure that each member of your team knows exactly what is expected of them. Use meetings, project management software and anything else you might need to keep everyone on the same page. This will reduce frustration, eliminate duplicated work and ensure that everyone knows how they fit into the big picture.

Self-Management 101

Think back to a time when you were working on a taxing project. Your manager came in and hovered over your shoulder, inspecting your work. You likely wished he or she would go away. Even though you’re managing a team, things haven’t changed. Instruct your team members and then let them govern themselves. Productivity and morale will never be higher. Micromanaging will only slow things down and lead to universal frustration.

”Manager” Does Not Equal ”Dictator”

In a nutshell, know when to talk and when to listen. Sometimes the best ideas come from your team members, so always make sure to listen to their recommendations and ideas. This doesn’t mean that they’ll always be right, but finishing a large project is a collaborative effort and you can’t do it by yourself.

Finally, remember that being a manager doesn’t mean anything unless you have someone to manage. You’re not in charge, per se; management is the fine art of leading and guiding, not ordering and commanding.