5 Practical Things Every Manager Should Do to Help Their Team Succeed

Unfortunately, great managers are hard to find, and their unpleasantness may have nothing to do with their personality. Good leaders aren’t born, they’re made, but there isn’t a universal blueprint for what managerial style is best. Fortunately, that dilemma is actually the solution.

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How a Flexible Management Style Benefits Employees

There are some managerial styles that are universally seen as bad, like micromanagement or an autocracy, while there are others that are loved by employees, like a participating style.

While managers know optically that “diversity equals strength,” managers will still find a common idea and capitalize it as a rallying cry. What results is a lack of uniqueness, especially when an employee doesn’t check off as many “inclusion boxes” as their co-workers.

Think of your employees as individuals who tackle problems in unique ways. That way, you can utilize all of their strengths and implement the tips in our next section without alienating them.

What Every Manager Should do to Empower Their Team

From setting maintainable goals to congratulating your staff with plaques you can find on FineAwards, here are 5 practical things every manager should do to help their team.

1. Communicate and Delegate Tasks Effectively

All managers should make communication a priority. Not only does it maintain relationships in the workplace, but it can help your team deliver what you asked for. You should state clearly who your team members can speak to if they have a question, need an extension, etc. 

With that said, good managers also delegate tasks effectively. This ensures their team members are learning new skills, developing their strengths, and taking control of their workload.

2. Set Personal Goals That Align With Your Organization

No one likes to be told what to do unless they’re told why that task is vital. Keep in mind that If your employees are constantly out of the loop, you’ll stress your staff out. This is especially true if you’re going through regulatory changes, implementing new tech, or laying people off.

To help keep anxiety levels low and productivity high, ask your employees about their career goals and help them see how this goal makes them valued team members. If they aren’t sure how to create a goal that’s sure to stick, introduce them to the SMART goal method.

3. Be Empathetic and Inspiring at Every Level

Empathy is one of the most important skills for effective employee management. It’s a key indicator that a manager cares about their employees. Plus, employees like to work with managers that understand the emotions of their team members and try to build rapport.

Most importantly, good managers naturally inspire others at every level. It shouldn’t matter if an employee succeeded or not, as both situations can be used as a learning experience.

4. Leverage the Latest Software and Technology

Technology can improve and streamline parts of your business functions, which means you and your team will work smarter, not harder. Online collaboration tools, project management software, and communication apps will boost productivity and keep distractions to a minimum.

5. Exit Meetings, Feedback, and Rewards

After a project is completed, managers should conduct one-on-one meetings with each of their team members. At this meeting, you can discuss the employee’s strengths and places where they need improvement. Approach this meeting with care by offering constructive criticism.

After you give your feedback, give them a reward. If your employee didn’t hit a project goal, but they’ve improved since their last project, acknowledge this. Some employees will only feel validated if they complete a goal, but it’s essential to show that progress should be celebrated.