Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Great Manager? Part 2

Continued from Part 1

Approachable Managers Are Naturally More Engaging

We already know that engaged managers are more likely to boost productivity levels in a business, but what about approachable ones? While some people may consider approachability as a sign of weakness, it is one of the key factors of great management skills. Gallup recently conducted a survey to determine what makes a great manager, and they found that more than half of employees with “open and approachable” leaders were engaged in their workplaces.   This approachability, when used correctly, will make employees feel more comfortable in and more committed to their work environments.

Great Managers Focus On The Positives To Minimize The Negatives

In order to be a good manager, you need to get rid of problems in the workplace. While some leaders try to do that with punishments and humiliation, Gallup found that engaged employees come from management teams that emphasize their positive characteristics. Rather than putting someone down for low production levels, great managers will identify the talents of an employee and do all they can to make use of them. By praising an employee when he does well, the manager ultimately encourages the person to repeat the good behavior.

Women Make Better Managers Than Men…Sort Of

Your gender will not define your ability to be a good manager, but it may play a role in how you naturally adapt to this position. Gallup’s research showed that female managers are more likely to be engaged in their businesses than their male counterparts, and people who work for women are more likely to be engaged as well. This is not to say that you should hire a woman over a male for a management position in your company, but it does show that employees react differently to people of differing genders.

Successful Managers Remain Confident But Humble

Confidence is a crucial characteristic of a great manager, but it should not be confused with arrogance. Truly talented managers are able to admit to their shortcomings and make adjustments to correct them. Even if you own your own business, a little humility would go a long way. Be adapting to suggestions from customers and other employees about positive changes that could be made to the business, and you will enjoy tremendous success in the future.

If you have what it takes to be a great manager, put your skills to the test and see just how far they can take you.