In a post-pandemic world where employee engagement is at an all-time low and turnover rates are rising, it’s vital that managers put employees first—both for the employees’ and the organization’s sake. It’s probably safe to say that for the other half of that Gallup study, the managers of those employees played a role in them deciding to stay at the organization.
Management is a double-edged sword. Use it wisely, and it can do wonders for employee satisfaction and productivity. But used unwisely, it can be easy to do more harm than good. You may be asking yourself, “Do I have the qualities of a good manager?”
In this article, we’ll walk through several signs that you might be ready to step up as a leader and create positive change in your organization. Keep reading to find out if you’re management material.
You might make a great manager if …
You’re a Master Communicator
Regardless of the task at hand, managers are communicating priorities, reaching out to external partners, and delegating tasks to their team members. This means a manager has to know how to communicate effectively and succinctly. If you are already doing this in your day-to-day communication or business correspondence, then you may be management material.
However, communication is a two-way street. You must also be an effective listener. When employees are empowered to voice their concerns and contribute feedback to a project, they feel both taken care of and engaged. A manager who is capable of fostering this sense of harmony in their team is an effective one.
You’re a Natural Leader
When it comes to managing groups of people, a leader needs to step up and create a sense of organization. Coordination, priorities, and initiative can easily fall to the wayside when a team is left to balance both their immediate work and the larger-scale strategy their team is a part of.
If you find yourself bringing team members together, fostering communication, and ushering them toward a collective goal, then you might be well-equipped for a managerial role. Managers and leaders are often the keys that unlock their team members’ potential. Whether it’s inspiring a teammate to tackle a problem from a different perspective or working alongside a colleague to get them past a hurdle in their project, leaders are always there for their teammates.
This also means making decisions and taking responsibility for team outcomes. Leaders don’t always get it right. It’s important to own up to mistakes, show your teammates that you are human, and prepare to tackle the problem again on the next go-around.
You’re a Proficient Problem Solver
A manager needs to call it like they see it. Employees look up to a manager because they are adept at identifying problems in the workplace and working toward a solution so that employees can focus on their work.
If you are always looking for the best way to work, solving problems efficiently and proactively, then you already have some management skills in your arsenal. This often means thinking analytically and strategically. Sometimes the solution isn’t always in plain site. A manager sometimes needs to ask, “What if we did this differently?” or, “What is missing here?” If you are ready to explore some of those open-ended questions, then a management position might be calling your name.
You Care About Building and Maintaining Relationships
A high-functioning workplace is built on positive relationships. Managers are responsible for building relationships with their team as well as supporting individual relationships between team members. Managers should make it easier for teammates to collaborate on projects.
Additionally, managers create a sense of trust in the workplace. Employees should feel comfortable bringing up any issues with their manager, knowing they have their back. Knowing how to take the proper next steps after an employee brings up an issue or asks for help is also important because employees often look to their leader to help resolve conflicts when they arise.
Strong conflict-resolution skills, trustworthiness, and positive relationships will make you a great manager in no time.
You Have a Results-driven Mindset
It’s impossible to move forward without clearly defined goals. A successful manager sets precise goals and expectations for their team members, guiding them along the way. This can be in the form of monitoring KPIs, creating incentives, or lending a helping hand.
A strong leader knows when it’s time to push their teammates and when it’s time to celebrate their achievements. Employees want to know that you are just as invested in their success as they are.
You’re Adaptable and Flexible
Over the past few years, change and uncertainty in the workplace have become the norm. As a leader and manager, you will be relied upon by your teammates to navigate that change, creating a clear path forward. This doesn’t mean having the exact solution to whatever the latest workplace shakeup is, but it does mean making the best decisions with the information that you do have.
Technology has become a powerful tool to lean on when change arises, so don’t be afraid to embrace new technologies and processes. We all saw this with the proliferation of Zoom as the pandemic took off. Whatever the case, it’s important to adjust strategy based on the current situation. You can’t expect employees to work miracles, so creating a work environment where they feel supported during difficult times is pivotal in creating a positive work culture.
Do You Have What it Takes to be a Great Manager?
If you already possess these qualities of a good manager, then you may be naturally inclined for this type of leadership role. However, while some managers may be naturally gifted, the best managers are rarely the result of raw talent.
In order to get closer to a managerial role, it may be necessary to acquire some practical knowledge and technical training to prepare you for the management world. Denison Edge offers dynamic management training in the form of Leadership Edge — a series of training sessions that meets you where you are and builds your leadership skills up from there.
With tracks for both new and seasoned leaders, Leadership Edge will prepare you to meet your own managerial goals.