Are good managers born that way? Or does good management come from practice and training? In our opinion, it’s a little of both. Either way, if you want to excel in your role, these 10 management tips are sure to help.
There are certain personality traits that make a great manager. Empathy and the ability to build relationships are two of them.
But there are also skills that must be honed over time. Having difficult conversations, delegating tasks, and communicating effectively with upper management are perfected through practice.
No matter your background or experience level, the advice in this guide can be helpful.
Let’s take a closer look.
Table of Contents
2. Why Good Management Matters
3. Benefits of Good Management
4. Management Tips for New and Experienced Leaders
5. How Performance Management Software Can Help
People Management in 2023
Before we talk about management tips, let’s discuss people management. What does it mean today?
People management in 2023 is all about creating an environment of collaboration and inclusion. This is especially challenging as working from home becomes the norm. Yesterday’s management tips don’t always work today.
It’s not just about managing individuals, either. People management is also about being able to manage teams. Equally important is creating a sense of trust and building a culture that promotes productivity.
In addition, to be an effective manager, you must have strong human skills. That means understanding the emotions of your team and being able to respond appropriately. No management tip can make up for a lack of empathy.
Naturally, good managers must also have problem-solving skills, know how to delegate tasks effectively, and communicate clearly.
Why Good Management Matters
Some employees are self-starters who need very little in terms of support. But most employees need guidance and direction from their managers.
Good management makes all the difference in how tasks are completed, team morale is maintained, and personal growth is supported.
When managers provide time management tips, empower teams to be creative and self-sufficient, and give feedback regularly, excellent work is consistently produced.
On the flip side, poor management can lead to feeling disengaged, disrespected, and undervalued. As a manager, it’s important to create an environment where everyone feels appreciated and encouraged.
Benefits of Good Management
With effective management in place—and by following the below management tips—you can expect:
- Increased productivity
- Improved morale
- Enhanced team collaboration
- Lower staff turnover rates
- Fewer conflicts in the workplace
- A positive and empowering working environment
The reverse is true as well. Poor management decreases productivity, morale, and collaboration. Subsequently, turnover rates and conflicts rise.
Now, let’s discuss management tips to help you be the best manager you can be.
Management Tips for New and Experienced Leaders
These management tips can be applied at all levels. So whether you are a first-time manager or an experienced executive, these are ways to grow as a leader.
1. Foster Open Communication and Collaboration
Make sure there is an open line of communication between you and your team. And this also means considering the different ways people prefer to communicate.
Encourage everyone to speak up and ask questions, whether it’s in person or via email. This creates an environment where people feel comfortable contributing.
For example, use 360-degree feedback reviews from multiple sources. This allows everyone to provide open and honest feedback. It also ensures that everyone is on the same page and working collaboratively towards a common goal.
2. Embrace Failure
So many management tips focus on success and growth. But what happens when we also embrace failure?
According to Harvard Business Review, when we embrace failure instead of punishing it, employees become more creative. As a result, they take risks they might not otherwise. Subsequently, there is an increase in innovation and ideas that will spur growth.
In short, don’t be afraid to let your team fail. Instead, use it as a learning experience and a way to develop new innovations.
3. Know When to Delegate
The days of doing-it-all are over. Today, smart managers know when to delegate. (There’s a good reason this is included in most lists of management tips!)
Part of being a great manager is understanding your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing when to pass tasks to others will help you focus on what you do best. It also ensures that all tasks are completed successfully and on time.
4. Take Goal-Setting to the Next Level
When there’s no accountability or follow-up on goals, employees are unlikely to take them seriously. And this can create a vicious cycle of poor performance.
To get the most out of your team, foster an environment where goals are taken seriously. Use SMART goals that are measurable and achievable. Then, hold employees accountable for reaching them. This management tip will help keep everyone on track and motivated to hit their targets.
5. Mentor Your Team Members
Good management isn’t just about optimising performance in employees’ current roles. It’s also about helping them grow professionally and personally.
As a manager, it’s important to invest in your team members and mentor them as they develop their skills and advance within the company.
Mentorship doesn’t have to be a formal process, though. It can be achieved through providing feedback and setting professional development goals. You may also wish to connect employees with mentors outside of your organisation.
6. Show Meaningful Recognition
Most employees are savvy enough to recognise hollow words of praise. To truly show appreciation for your team’s hard work, be sure to provide meaningful recognition.
Whether it’s a public shout-out or a private pat on the back, make a point of recognising great efforts and celebrating successes. Harvard Business Review reports that every measure of morale, productivity, and performance increases when managers show appreciation.
7. Be Consistent
Consistency is an important component of professionalism. Now, that doesn’t mean never changing your mind. But it does mean that employees should know what to expect from you.
Be consistent with your standards, expectations, and communication style. This management tip will help create an environment where everyone knows their roles and can trust the structure of the team.
8. Hone Strong Leadership Skills
Good managers need to be strong leaders. That means having a clear vision, setting an example for others to follow, and inspiring trust.
When Training Industry conducted a survey to find out the most important traits of a leader, the top five qualities mentioned are:
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Values and ethics
- Personal attributes (passion, flexibility, commitment, optimism)
- Coaching and feedback
Honestly assess yourself in each of these areas. Or, if you feel comfortable doing so, have a peer assess you. Where are you lacking? Where do you excel?
Work on growing your skills in areas of weakness. For example, if you are a natural pessimist, work on reframing situations to find the positive.
9. Never Stop Learning
The best managers are always learning new things. Whether it’s reading books, attending seminars, or taking courses on leadership, there’s always something to be gained from continuing your education.
As technology and industry trends change, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve. That means learning new skills and techniques which can be applied to your team. Doing so sets a good example for your team members.
10. Listen to Feedback
Too many managers treat feedback as a one-way street. Instead, be proactive about listening to your team’s feedback and opinions. This will help you understand their perspectives and identify potential problems before they arise. The result of this management tip is a more positive work environment.
While these management tips are certainly a good place to start, individualised feedback is always best. Your team members can offer unique insights. In turn, these insights will help you grow as a leader.
How Performance Management Software Can Help
Now that we’ve discussed management tips, let’s talk about how performance management software can help you grow as a manager.
Performance management software helps people managers manage their teams more efficiently and effectively. It provides a platform to:
- Track team performance
- Measure employee engagement
- Set goals
- Provide meaningful feedback and recognition
- Measure progress toward objectives
With the right performance management tools in place, managers have the data they need to better lead their teams. This will also help them measure the success of the team and ensure that employees remain engaged and motivated.
The Bottom Line
As a manager, it’s important to focus on continuous improvement, both in yourself as well as your team. By following these management tips, you can become a great leader who inspires others and drives results.
Primalogik can help. Our tools keep employees engaged and boost productivity through meaningful feedback. Try our performance management software for free today.
