We have all seen and read the horror stories on social media, where people shared their experiences with bad leaders. From micromanagements to stealing credits, there are a lot of ways a bad manager can negatively influence your work. However, in this post, we would like to share some of the ways you can spot a good manager in the workplace. Who knows – maybe this list can also influence you as you strive to be a good manager in the future.
#1 They take time to really understand their team’s strengths.
Every individual has their own unique skills, characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. Therefore, a good manager will take the time to really get to know and understand each team member. Instead of expecting everyone to act and behave the same way, a great manager will strive to support each individual the way that they need. This may include pushing some members more often, and pulling back others when needed.
A good leader will understand that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to managing the team, and they will use different approaches that would work best with each team member’s personality.
#2 They are open for honest feedback and communication.
A poor manager will be hard to reach – they will hide in their office or be unavailable for feedback. A good leader, however, is one who is approachable by their team members. They are open to listen to ideas, feedback, and criticisms at all times, and not just during the annual appraisal reviews. Good managers are receptive of employees’ insights, and often take the feedback into consideration moving forward. This can help the team members to feel more valued and appreciated, which can in turn motivate them to work harder.
#3 They give you autonomy and flexibility in your work.
Bad leaders will micromanage you and expect you to constantly get their approval for every small little decision. Good managers are the exact opposite – they trust their team members and provide them with the autonomy to complete the task accordingly. This allow the individual to exercise their judgement and work in a way that is aligned with their abilities and strengths.
For these leaders, they value innovation – allowing their team to try out different solutions to accomplish a task. This can not only build a sense of ownership among the team members, but also empowering the team members in creating new processes and making decisions.
#4 They support your career goals and provide opportunities to grow.
A good manager will want their team members to fulfill their full potential. This includes providing opportunities for each individual to develop new skills or attend professional development opportunities that are relevant to their career goals. A bad leader may feel like upskilling their employees as a waste of time and money, as this would encourage the employees to search for better opportunities outside. But a great leader sees this as an opportunity to support their employees and build up the team’s skills bank, which can in turn help to reduce employees turnover rates and improve outcomes.
#5 Lastly, they walk the talk and actually do what they say.
More often that not we hear stories of managers telling the employees one thing, but they do the complete opposite. Good leaders practice what they preach, and are not shy to get down and dirty with the actual work itself. This can not only help to build trust within the team, but increase the respect that the team has for the leader. Working with someone you can actually trust makes you feel more supported in your work, rather than working for a leader who makes empty promises that are never delivered.
Are you interested to develop yourself to be a good leader?
Join us in our first panel & networking session to learn more about how to make the transition from being an individual contributor to a manager. You will have the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals about their experiences in navigating the change and their career journey. Learn from their mistakes and ask for advice that can help you in your own journey. You can also use this time to network with other like-minded individuals from different industries and exchange stories, knowledge, and ideas. Fresh pastries and coffee are also provided. Register now to secure your spots, and we will see you there!
