8 Constructive Ways to Become a Better Manager

It is not easy to become a manager that people can follow. You need experience, patience, and wisdom to improve your managerial skills. The manager plays a crucial role in enhancing employee engagement. Improving your leadership and management skills will make a huge difference.

Here are eight practical ways to become a better manager:

 

1. Know your team better

A manager must know their team. Memorising their names just won't cut it, you must truly understand your team members, be it a team of 3 or 10. It includes your team members' backgrounds and current roles. The best way to build a wholesome understanding between you and your team is to have a personal conversation. 

Know that not everyone finds it comfortable talking in a group. Some of your team members might open up to you better about their work, challenges, and how they get help from you when you talk to them one-on-one. 

It would help to ask them how they feel about working in the company, specifically their role and whether they want to do things differently. Identify their potential and how they contribute to the team in their own way.

 

2. Be your team's mentor

Many leaders make the error of taking their job title too seriously. Though most companies indeed have the job profile of a manager, it doesn't mean one has to strictly be one. How about becoming a mentor?

Remember that a manager must help maximise their team's productivity and potential and bring new ideas to the table. They don't just take care of who's doing what but also address any challenges their team members face.

You can create a potential for more growth when you create an environment in your team that's helpful and nurtures development.

Your team members will feel comfortable talking to you about any problems and suggest ways to make a job or task easier. This way, you aren't only getting the job done but also earning your team's respect.

 

3. Know how to motivate your team

Motivation is something that every successful leader believes in. When you seek to improve your management skills, make sure you always support your staff.

It is not appropriate to presume that just because employees are paid for their work, they must complete it on time. You don't know what your team members might feel on any given day.

When you motivate your employees, you send a strong positive message. This will boost your team's confidence in their work and encourage them to give it their all.

Why not start each day with a quick recap of the day's goals and a small talk to encourage your team to seize the day?

 

4. Work on your communication skills

You must communicate more effectively if you want to be recognised and taken seriously by your team. Remember that strong communication is essential for being a great manager.

It all boils down to how you communicate, whether you're handing over a task, delivering feedback, or managing a difficult issue in the team. Your tone should be encouraging, motivational, and, if necessary, assist in resolving an issue.

While you may have difficult days where all you can think about is reaching targets and generating numbers, you must share the goals and assist your team in achieving them. Don't forget to be kind in the process.

 

5. Acknowledge your team's efforts

When it comes to becoming a great manager, appreciation is the key to success. It is your responsibility as a leader to ensure that your team completes the work and recognise them for their efforts.

Employees' contributions are sometimes overlooked, especially when working in a large group. Not every employee is responsible for preparing presentations or polishing the final product, where most of the work is recognised.

Some may even be putting up the missing piece at the start of a task to ensure its success in the end. When you know who's contributing what, you must acknowledge their contribution. This gives a positive message to them and helps them feel valued.

 

6. Offer honest feedback

A healthy relationship is built on open and honest communication. The one you share with your team should also be based on quality feedback.

While it is easy to acknowledge a team member in a group, you may need to mention something significant regarding their job at times.

The ideal method is to meet with each team member individually and tell them frankly how they could have done a better job. To motivate your staff, you should provide constructive criticism.

 

7. Ask for feedback

It's just as vital to give honest feedback as it is to receive it. You must hear from your staff about your performance if you want to improve as a manager. Create an open and honest communication culture.

Try anonymous surveys to better understand your role and how you can improve.

 

8. Prepare SMART Goals

Successful managers develop SMART goals and outline the critical steps they must take each day to achieve them. Goals provide direction, while SMART goals keep your team physically and mentally focused on the path to their desired destination.

Specific: Identify the outcome of your goal

Measurable: Identify when you will have reached your goal

Achievable: You must be able to attain your goals

Relevant: Will your goal help the team in the long run?

Time-bound: Set a time frame for the goals

 

Source: The HR Director