How to be a Good Manager

Everybody wants to be a manager the way they imagine it is. You just walk around, telling everybody what to do and have not a care in the world.

After the usual “talks” with the employees who don’t perform, you’re done for the day. They have more power, bigger salaries and can afford shorter hours. At least that’s what bad managers demonstrate.

The truth is that’s not what being a good manager is all about. You need to lead by example.

Working hours

How can you be a good manager if you don’t keep a close eye on your employees? They are your responsibility so you have to be there when they are. Of course, being a manager you can afford a few perks like going to work a few hours late but if you want to be considered a good manager, don’t abuse those benefits.

Your employees need to know that they can count on you and that you’ll be there when they need you. Which brings us to the next point.

Be sure to let your employees know you’re at their disposal

The truth is most managers prefer striking fear into the hearts of their subordinates, than letting them know they are actually human. Your employees need to be aware of your humanity and that they can count on you.

This will help you keep a closer eye on things, while in the same time making them feel more valued and boosting their productivity.

Be sure to know your subordinates

You need to be familiar with your employees. You need to know them on a personal level (to some extent), and on a professional one (this is pretty obvious). You need to be familiar with their capabilities and distribute the work load accordingly.

Also, you need to know what their personal relationships are. Making two people who don’t like each other work on the same project will definitely produce bad results.

And if you’re already thinking, “What am I paying them for?” let me stop you right there – the fact that you’re paying someone doesn’t make them any less human.

Because of their salary they will do as you ask, but being a responsible leader, you need to make the best of any situation. If you know your people, you will know who will be able to work with whom and handle what, which is the basis of a much better outcome.

Don’t underestimate this aspect of being a good manager. Remember, the people who work for you are human beings with their feelings and preferences. The difference between good and bad managers is that the successful ones use that to their advantage.

Be fair

Don’t be one of those managers who only punish failure without rewarding success. If you want your employees to give it their best, you need to make sure they know how much you value them.

You can use bonuses or if you can’t afford it, a simple “You’re doing a good job” will do the trick in order to let them know they are doing well.

A person will be much more stimulated to work if they feel they are worth something, but you need to be sincere.

Don’t think that people will give it their best just because you pay them. The salary will make them work. Your leadership will offer an incentive to work well.