Ever had a manager who absolutely ground your gears and irritated you to no end? Are you worried you’re that manager? You may not be as effective a manager or team leader as you think you are. Fortunately, we’re going to take a look at that today. Here are few ways to keep your managerial skills in check:
1. Define Results
“I believe people have to follow their dreams–I did.” – Larry Ellison, co-founder and CEO of Oracle Corporation
What’s important to you in business? Why did you begin this business? What results were you looking for in the beginning? Have you reached those results? Has your company’s workers help fulfilled those goals?
Sit down and brain storm—in exact, plain-as-day detail—what is important to you in your business. What were you looking for in life that led you towards creating your company? Ask yourself these tough questions and share them with your team and co-managers; sharing your vision shows you know how to become a better manager.
2. Communicate
In your experience, how many blunders were created because of faulty communication? It only takes one person who has whispers of an idea of what needs to be done. Regularly keeping your team and workers in check—in face-to-face meetings that only review your vision and what needs to be done—helps get everyone on the same page.
On the other hand, talking their ears off constantly does the opposite effect. Why not ask them if they’re confused about anything whatsoever? This type of engagement encourages them to pipe up so no one is left in the dark. You cannot expect a single person to know exactly what it is you’re thinking. This is illogical and bad management.
3. Admit Mistakes
We make mistakes. Everybody in the world, from Bill Gates to Donald Trump and all the way to Elon Musk and Steve Jobs, has made a mistake in their life. Amazon head Jeff Bezos admitted that the Amazon Fire Phone cost the company $170 million in losses. These legends have all owned up to their mistakes on a massive level.
When you make mistakes, it’s wise not to cover it up (the way the American Government covers up their blunders). Doing so allows you to move forward towards executing your goals to get the results you want, and shows your company that being forthright and honest is the real way to do business.
4. Openly Praise Employees
Mary Buffett, in her book about her father-in-law Warren Buffett, “Management Secrets: Proven Tools for Personal and Business Success”, she explains how Mr. Buffett routinely praised his employees and staff members in organization-wide memos and for press releases. Regularly thanking his workers publically undoubtedly boosted morale, thereby increasing their job performance. Showing your sincere gratitude and expressing your appreciation for your workers is top-tier management.
Conclusion
With no shortages of managerial skills necessary to boost profits and lower expenses… it seems that the primary methods for doing so is by improving your people skills. The people you work with (and who work for you) are ordinary Janes and Joes – just like you.
