The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Managers

Self-help books usually get a bad rap. Let’s face it, they’re usually associated with people that are trying to pull themselves out of some dramatic issue like, “How to Survive Divorce” or “YOU! On a Diet.” While that may be true, these self-help books shouldn’t be pushed to the side and excluded because of it. In fact, millions of people all across the globe have probably picked up a couple self-help books and improved their life, business or company. One of the most memorable self-help books is the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It was this title that got us thinking about what the 7 habits of highly effective managers are. So let’s take a look at what some of those habits are, shall we?

Give Your Employees Feedback
One of the signs of a great manager is they provide their employees with effective feedback when it is needed. Most companies or managers will instill a quarterly or semiannual review where employees and managers can discuss their progress, goals, etc. However, great managers give feedback whenever they get the chance. Blogging4Jobs states that giving this kind of feedback keeps employees in the know and on par with what you want. Plus, just having a good communication link with your employees is a plus and will keep their morale in good standing.

Be At Work
You may have had a manager before that was barely ever in the office. They were either too important to have to come in everyday or they just never seemed to be around. It’s likely that a manager like this doesn’t have very loyal employees. On top of that, it’s very doubtful that they were all on the same page. In order for your employees to trust and respect you, you have to be in the office with them. This way their team leader is on board and they will likely know what direction you want them to go in.

Having a manager in the office daily will also work to diffuse any issues that arise. (And let’s face it, all offices have their issues and quarrels at some point.) Being there you will be able to see what is going on and resolve any issues that come up before they grow into larger ones. Plus, if you’re the team leader- which is what a manager should be- then you need to be there for your team. How many coaches do you know that stay home while their team is at a game or event? Probably none.

Don’t Micromanage
Nothing tells your team that you distrust them more than micromanaging their work. We get it, you are very passionate about your work and want to be sure it’s all up-to-par. However, hovering over your employee’s work and double-checking or reviewing every single piece of work is stifling. Plus, how do you even have the time for that? You hired the team you have to do a job, right? Well then let them do it. If you don’t think they are capable then perhaps you need to hire someone else. If you simply don’t trust anyone to put out what you want, then perhaps the problem is you. Give your employees a good balance of freedom and feedback and you’re on the right track.

Be a Good Listener
There is a difference between hearing and listening. Some managers certainly hear what their employees are saying, but never listen. It’s inevitable that as a manager you will be talking and delegating tasks. However, in order to be a good communicator you need to listen as well. Listen to your team and they will respect you for it.

Know Your Strategy
When a team’s manager has a lack of vision for their work, things get really tricky. For one, the team doesn’t know what is expected of them and there’s a lack of communication. As a manager you should have a clear strategy or at least a clear idea of what you expect from your team. Have clear goals and make sure your team knows what they are.

Remember You are Part of a Team
You may be the leader of your team, but remember and always know who it is that is getting this work done. Without your team, your overall goals would not be met and progress would dwindle. Recognizing this and knowing it makes it easier to show it. When you show your team that you appreciate them, they will respect you and want to do a better job for you. They will be highly productive because they know their work is appreciated fully. Remember the importance of employee appreciation!

Avoid Boredom
Last but not least, a good team manager or leader won’t let their team get bored or stagnant. A good manager realizes that things need to be changed or altered every now and then to keep their team on their toes. Without changing things up a bit, your team will get bored, and boredom usually leads to laziness. Like Blogging4Jobs states, assign new tasks, switch up the environment or switch up team members or groups. Stagnancy is something most employees want to avoid, so be a good manager and be sure your office isn’t stagnant.

IMAGE: Courtesy of The Reasonable Bachelor