Are you a manager looking to make a difference in your workplace? Do you want to be a leader that will positively influence your team? Whether you manage five or fifty employees, being a great manager comes with a lot of responsibility.
Here are some of the top skills successful managers work on in their careers:
- Leadership
- Experience
- Communication
- Knowledge
- Organization
- Time management
- Delegation
- Confidence
- Respect
- Company Culture
Top 10 Qualities of a Good Manager
Leadership Skills
In order to be an effective manager, you need to be able to lead your employees in an efficient manner. Being able to envision how you would want your leadership to look is an effective way to achieve good management. Strategic thinkers are able to see the big picture and see minor details that others may not see.
Professional Experience
If you don’t have experience working in a professional environment and leading a team, it will be hard to step up as a manager. A great way to gain experience in a management role is to communicate with your current job your goals. In some instances, when management knows you are looking to step up as a leader, they'll inherently train you through a variety of scenarios that could help develop you for an upcoming promotion or position that may become available.
Good Communication Skills
Effective communication is a staple that all the best managers have. This not only means communicating job responsibilities and expectations, it means listening to your team and working with them to produce results within their position. Making sure to take time and have weekly meetings with your employees will help you as a leader understand where everyone is at in their projects. This will also build trust with your employees and empower them to boost productivity in their workflow knowing they have someone to help them if they need it.
Knowledge
Experience as a manager is a must but so is knowledge. Going back to school is an investment that many effective leaders have seen as a benefit not only to their professional work life but to their personal lives as well. There are various degrees offered for managers, including a bachelor’s degree in business or a master’s degree in leadership or project management. You can also get a certificate in project management, entrepreneurship, ethics, or human resource management
Organization
If you aren’t organized in your position, there’s a good chance that the employees you manage won’t be either. There are many resources online that can inspire you to get organized. A good example is you can buy a personal planner or download an app on your phone that can remind you of meetings, tasks you need to complete every day, etc.
Time Management Skills
Another key factor in being a successful manager is time management. If you’re late every day, your employees might think it’s acceptable to also be late. Time management is important when it comes to prioritizing your day, making sure you have time to communicate with your employees, and accomplishing goals throughout the week.
Delegation
If you don’t know how to delegate projects and tasks, your role as a manager will be a lot more difficult. Don’t be afraid to ask your employees to help complete a task. You might think it’s easier to do everything yourself, but this will add more time to your already busy schedule, and you won’t be allowing your employees to do what they were hired to do.
Confidence
To be an effective manager, you need to be confident in your abilities, experience, and decision-making skills. This doesn’t mean you have to be arrogant or feel that you’re better than your employees. But you’re in a management role for a reason, your confidence will empower your team to be the best they can be.
Respect for Co-workers
Establishing a healthy and respectful work environment for your team is very important as a leader. If you do not show respect for your employees, there will definitely be tension in your workplace. Some things to be aware of are their time and abilities, being able to listen and communicate with them, and being a resource of knowledge and guidance.
Company Culture
Company culture is the fun part of being a great leader. This is where you can boost employee engagement and show your employees how grateful you are for their hard work. By offering fun activities throughout the week, such as a team-building outing after business hours or adding a new coffee station to the break room, the possibilities are endless on ways you can strengthen your company culture. This will not only boost your company culture but it will increase employee retention, and could potentially put you as a high-ranking company to work for.
Pursue your Calling as a Leader
If you feel called to be a leader, CCU offers various in-depth programs that will prepare you for a career in leadership. Specifically, our organizational leadership degree program which aligns your values with furthering your knowledge on how to be an effective leader in whatever career path you decide to take.
Colorado Christian University does not guarantee any job placement as a result of earning this or any other degrees offered by the university.
Find out what options you have for continuing your education and learning more about a future career in leadership!
Learn More
