Developing managerial skills is important in just about every profession. Whether you are new to the role or you have been a manager for years, improving your skills should be a continuous goal. Even for managers who may have enjoyed success over the years, it’s important to remember that the professional landscape is always changing and evolving and that means that what works effectively one year may not necessarily work the next. This is why it is always good to look for ways to improve your management style and techniques. That way, you will be prepared for whatever comes your way and you will be able to respond appropriately. Whether you are an experienced manager or a novice, here are 10 tips for improving and revamping your management style.
1. Ask for Feedback
Managers who genuinely want to know how well they are doing look to their employees to gather that information. After all, who better to give you insight than the people you are actually leading. Ask for and be open to feedback from both employees and higher-ups. Don’t get defensive, but rather listen with an open mind. Self-knowledge is the first step in being able to improve your management style.
2. Further Your Education
Always make it a point to keep learning. One of the best ways to gain new insight is by furthering your education. Seek new certifications or take education courses that can keep you up to date on the current happenings within your field.
3. Be a Better Communicator
Strong communication skills are essential for any successful manager. Part of your role involves tackling complex business issues and ensuring your team has the tools and resources required to succeed. Be transparent with your team and continually provide support and updates to make sure your team members understand how their work translates into bigger corporate objectives. Ask your team members questions and invite them to do the same. Keeping this line of communication open builds a trusting relationship with your team.
4. Show Gratitude
Have you ever worked at a job that didn’t necessarily pay that well but you loved your manager? Chances are you staying because you felt appreciated and valued. Never underestimate the power of gratitude. Simply saying “thank you” or “job well done” can be a powerful motivator for employees and help them to be more engaged in their work.
5. Be Accountable
A true leader shows humility. They are able to admit their mistakes and they don’t place the blame on others. Admitting your mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions shows strength of character and it will help you to earn the respect of your team.
6. Get to Know Your Team
Your employees are your biggest asset. It is worth your time to get to know each and every one of them. They are all individuals with different strengths, skills, and motivations so knowing who they are and how they work best will increase engagement and performance. If you are aware of their strengths, you will also be able to assign the right tasks to the right person. This will lead to better overall results for your team. Furthermore, your employees will feel more engaged when they know their manager takes a vested interest in who they are as a person.
7. Trust Your Employees to Do Their Job
Avoid micromanaging and let your employees take the reins and do their jobs. Performing under a microscope does nothing but damage employee trust, kill morale, and increase turnover. If your team feels like you don’t trust them, they will become frustrated and disengaged. You have to let go and trust that others can do the job as well as you. This is the only way to help your employees feel more confident.
8. Deal with Conflict and Toxic Employees
No one likes conflict, but it happens to come with the territory. As a manager, you will inevitably have to deal with conflict at some point. Take action immediately and schedule one-on-one meetings to identify the source of the conflict. Provide advice and solutions on how to handle the problem and continue following up until the problem is resolved.
9. Examine Your Values
Take time to reflect on what is important to you both personally and professionally. Set clear goals for yourself and examine your values to see if you are working toward achieving those goals. Make sure that the work you are doing aligns with your core values. Look for any areas where you might need improvement.
10.Find a Mentor
One of the most effective ways to improve your management style is to ask someone whose style you admire. Job shadowing is important at any stage of your career and a mentor can provide guidance, honest feedback, and helpful input to help you become a better manager.