PAUL LUKERT
AUTHOR
As a Certified Maxwell Leadership Team Member and DISC Consultant with 30+ years of executive experience, I help individuals and organizations enhance their leadership skills and establish a winning team and culture.
Mastering the 7 Game-Changing Skills Every Manager Needs
Let's take a closer look at what makes a great manager. Have you noticed how some sports teams consistently thrive in the biggest games? The team is calm, focused, and ready to tackle any challenge. How do they do it? It starts with the coach. He has a game plan the team believes in, and the players can shift their focus to executing.
But that's not just the case for sports. The same strategy sets excellent managers apart from others in the business world. A great manager is like a coach under pressure. They see the big picture, understand the specifics, and ensure the team is prepared and enthusiastic about achieving their goals. Like a safety net, this plan provides security, allowing the team to focus on their tasks confidently.
Business, like sports, has its share of surprises. However, the best managers have the skill to lead their teams toward success. It's not just about having a plan; it's about inspiring everyone to believe in it. When times get tough, a top-notch manager's team is there, committed and prepared to succeed, similar to athletes in a championship game.
So, let's break it down and get into the details of what makes these managers so effective. It's not just about assigning tasks; it's about building trust, creating clarity, and preparing the team for success. It's about fostering an atmosphere where everyone works together, striving enthusiastically towards a common goal. My friends, this sense of camaraderie and shared purpose is the playbook of an outstanding manager.
1. Victory Unmasked: Decoding the True Face of Winning
Top-tier managers don't leave you in the dark; they're the human equivalent of a lighthouse in the murky waters of workplace ambiguity. They spell out objectives with a poet's finesse and a drill sergeant's clarity. It’s like when a coach demonstrates a play with both the X’s and O’s and a walk-through — there's no room for misinterpretation. They make it known what success looks like, not just in terms of the end goal but the path to get there.
Pro Tip: Use SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to outline expectations for your team. This method is a proven framework that leaves no room for uncertainty.
2. Unity Unleashed: The Power of All for One, One for All
Exceptional managers stand in your corner, ready to go to bat for you. It's the confidence that someone has your back, come what may. Like a seasoned attorney arguing a case, they present the facts, highlight your contributions, and negotiate resources or recognition on your behalf.
Pro Tip: Regularly check in with your team members to understand their challenges and advocate for their needs. Your proactive support can make all the difference.
3. Cleared For Takeoff: Navigating Turbulence to Empowerment Altitude
Imagine your team is on a rally race, and roadblocks suddenly appear. An exceptional manager is in the control center, radioing in to help navigate and clear the path ahead. They ensure the team has the tools, information, and autonomy to overcome challenges and move forward quickly.
Pro Tip: Foster an environment where your team feels comfortable voicing concerns. Act swiftly to remove impediments and simplify processes whenever possible.
4. Finding the Sweet Spot: Why Quality Beats Quantity Every Time
The finest managers are adept at assessing their team's bandwidth. They don't just pile on the work until the team is forced to lessen the work product to meet deadlines. Instead, they assign tasks carefully, considering each team member's current workload, ensuring that quality doesn’t dip for the sake of quantity.
Pro Tip: Prioritize tasks and projects with your team, making them collaborative. This sets realistic targets and instills a sense of ownership and accountability.
5. People Over Paperwork: Turning the Business World Human Again
Exceptional leaders excel at human relations; they're the ones who remember your kid's soccer game or your passion for gardening. This personal touch fosters a deep-seated loyalty that transcends professional responsibility. No matter the service, product, or widget, every business revolves around its people first.
Pro Tip: Make time for one-on-ones that go beyond work topics. Show genuine interest in the well-being of your team members, which can significantly boost morale and engagement.
6. Igniting Ambition: Discovering the Perfect Fuel to Motivate Your Team
The energy of a great manager is infectious. They can transform fatigue into hunger with just a few well-chosen words or actions. To do this, you must understand each team member's unique style and what motivates them. Like an orchestra conductor, understanding the instruments will enable you to create harmony, enthusiasm, and unity.
Pro Tip: Celebrate small wins and provide constructive feedback. This constant loop of positive reinforcement and growth-oriented critique keeps the team inspired and striving for more.
7. Solid as a Rock: Becoming the Unshakeable Foundation of Your Team
Exceptional managers are not mythical creatures that disappear when needed most. They're there, in the trenches with you, accessible and responsive. They don't just offer help; they're an active part of the solution.
Pro Tip: Establish open communication channels and set boundaries for availability that respect personal time but ensure you can be reached when urgent situations arise.
The Development Diaries: Tales of Managerial Mastery
As a leadership coach, I've witnessed the transformational power of these principles firsthand. A contracting client of mine was in a severe deficit due to a lack of leadership. With my guidance, the COO got the company back on track by implementing a training program for his managers, resulting in a 50% increase in team performance within six months.
Keeping Score: Bulletin Board Material
- Clearly define and communicate goals and expectations.
- Be a steadfast advocate for your team's interests.
- Remove roadblocks and empower your team to succeed.
- Evaluate and respect each individual's capacity for work.
- Treat your team members as people first and professionals second.
- Continually motivate and inject energy into your team dynamics.
- Ensure your team can count on you, especially in critical moments.
Pro Tip: Keep a copy of this where you can see it, and you will be surprised by how it becomes a part of what you do every day!
The Scoreboard
Supporting these strategies, a Harvard Business Review study highlighted that clear communication of job expectations is linked to a 5.2% increase in performance. Additionally, Google’s Project Oxygen found that managers who empower their teams without micromanaging are among the most successful. Empower people to do the work their way. Focus on results.
Parting Thoughts to Leave a Lasting Impact
Remember, an exceptional manager doesn’t just lead a team; they build, fuel, and steer it to greatness. It’s not just about projects and deadlines; it's about people, perspectives, and passion. So gear up, get personal, and get ready to elevate your team to levels of excellence they never imagined possible.
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