What does it take to become a good manager? How can I improve?

Answer 1

Don't ever forget that you were once not a manager. Mutual respect. Treat your employees the way that you want to be treat as an employee and a manager. Be both a team player and a team manager. Be willing to do what you direct your team to do. You will be amazed at how much more productivity that you will get from your crew when you treat them as such. There will always be one of two that don't like the way you do things. But if that person see's how everyone else acts toward you that one person may either change or leave. If they leave they weren't worth having as an employee anyway. Remain organized as well. Just make sure that you have that line that you are the manager and they are your employees, try not to cross it too often. Good Luck...

Answer 2

Being a good manager is a bit like being a social worker.

You spend your time listening to people and helping solve their problems. They say that contrary to popular opinion the best managers do not structure their time and do not set goals. They socialise and are friendly. That way you know what's going on.

You also have to try to have a good idea of everything that is going on all the time and everything that needs to happen, and everything that could go wrong, and make sure it doesn't go wrong. It can be quite tiring keeping it all in your head so that's where writing things down can help.

I found it really helped to learn to relax, because that meant that everyone around found it easier to relax too, and things went a lot smoother.

Answer 3

The first and most important thing is that you should never strive to be 'liked'. Managers need to be 'respected' - not the most popular person in the office. Don't make friends of the people you manage, but do maintain a friendly relationship. You do this by being available and giving them the feeling that your door is always open. Listen to their complaints, concerns and issues...but never share yours with them. You need to maintain that position of authority.

Also, never ask someone to do something that you wouldn't do yourself. It is possible that you will have tasks required by your department that you can't do yourself...but someone on your team has that specific skill. Ensure you let that person know that they have a skill you don't...show them that respect. But do everything you can to learn as much about that skill from them...let them teach you. It will earn you vast amounts of respect and appreciation.

Answer 4

Hello!
Being a good manager means that you make an effort to be the best in your line of work, be the first in the office and the last to leave, have an open mind for suggestions of co-workers, look for opportunities, analyse the firm and make it better, make good contacts with other people in your area, visit parties and other events with a load of personal cards in your handbag, follow the competition closely, adapt to new things directly and above all: don't live for your work, but work to live. That means: relax from time to time to avoid stress. Good luck,Luc

Answer 5

I found this blog that has some interesting information. Mostly pertaining to sales but some of it can apply to management. You can read it at this link.

Answer 6

Good communication with people and strong leadership skills.
Be able to read people and know what they mean and not what they say