What makes a good manager?

An effective manager is one who possesses the ability to motivate their team to collaborate towards shared objectives, while simultaneously maintaining a positive working environment. Key attributes of a proficient manager encompass:

1. Strong communication skills: An adept manager will encounter no difficulty in effectively communicating crucial information such as objectives, timelines, and performance evaluations to their team members.
2. Empathy: In order to foster a sense of trust and cultivate a harmonious working environment, it is imperative for employees to perceive a safe space where they can freely communicate with their management.
3. Decisiveness: A proficient manager is characterized by the ability to make prompt and decisive decisions that positively impact the team’s overall performance, while simultaneously maintaining high morale and productivity levels.
4. Flexibility: A skilled manager is distinguished by their capacity to assimilate new information and exhibit adaptability in their approach to problem-solving.
5. Time management: A highly effective and efficient team depends on a proficient manager who possesses the ability to establish clear priorities and delegate tasks in order to ensure timely achievement of goals.
6. Positive attitude: An effective manager is characterized by their ability to maintain a positive attitude and motivate their team, even in challenging circumstances.

An effective manager is an individual who adeptly maintains a harmonious balance between the expectations of the team and the objectives of the organization, while simultaneously fostering a positive work environment and driving optimal productivity.

A new breed of managers: Project Oxygen

In 2008, Google initiated Project Oxygen, an internal research initiative aimed at identifying the key attributes exhibited by effective managers within the company. The project drew upon a comprehensive analysis of employee surveys, performance evaluations, and various other sources to establish its foundation. Through this extensive research, Google successfully identified eight fundamental management practices that would serve as the cornerstone for the organization’s future achievements.

The eight behaviors identified by Project Oxygen were:

1. Be a good coach
2. Empower your team and don’t micromanage
3. Express interest and concern for team members’ success and personal well-being
4. Be productive and results-oriented
5. Be a good communicator and listen to your team
6. Help your team with career development
7. Have a clear vision and strategy for the team
8. Have key technical skills, so you can help advise the team

Numerous management development and training programs have currently integrated the “Google Manager Behaviors” into their educational framework. The primary aim of Project Oxygen was to cultivate a fresh cohort of managers who prioritize fostering the potential of their staff rather than excessively controlling their every move.

Remarkable advancements have ensued from Project Oxygen, as evidenced by the heightened levels of employee engagement, retention, productivity, and creativity within the organization. Other companies have successfully adopted the Google Manager Behaviors, yielding comparable outcomes as reported.

Eight common traits of high-scoring managers:

I’ve identified eight characteristics shared by successful managers:

1. Great communication skills: Effective managers possess robust interpersonal communication abilities. They demonstrate exceptional communication skills and are capable of expressing their desires, emotions, and strategies with clarity and precision.
2. Strong leadership skills: These supervisors have demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities, effectively motivating and inspiring their team members to wholeheartedly dedicate themselves towards achieving success.
3. Results-driven: Effective managers prioritize the financial outcome of their endeavors. They meticulously determine their objectives and exhibit unwavering dedication in their pursuit of achieving them.
4. Excellent problem-solving skills: Professionals possessing this skill set are adept at identifying issues and devising practical solutions. They possess the capacity to tackle complex problems with innovative thinking.
5. Flexibility: Highly effective managers possess the capacity to swiftly adapt and respond to new information. They exhibit a commendable aptitude for accepting criticism gracefully and are willing to alter their perspectives when circumstances demand it.
6. Emotional intelligence: These leaders possess a remarkable level of emotional acumen. They demonstrate a profound awareness and mastery over their own emotions, while also exhibiting the ability to accurately perceive and effectively address the emotions of others.
7. Collaborative: Highly effective managers possess exceptional interpersonal abilities, enabling them to collaborate seamlessly with various teams and departments in order to achieve their goals.
8. Continuous learning: These executives prioritize lifelong education as their utmost priority. They strongly encourage their employees to adopt a similar mindset by actively pursuing novel avenues for personal and professional development.

These aforementioned qualities represent only a fraction of the extensive range of attributes commonly found in accomplished managers. By dedicating attention and effort towards nurturing these qualities, one can enhance their managerial and leadership skills.

How Culture Amp responded to the research

Culture Amp is a comprehensive employee feedback management system that facilitates the collection, analysis, and implementation of data. Our approach is rooted in research and data-driven insights, which serve as the foundation for our strategic decision-making. We prioritize collaboration and openness when responding to studies, working closely with our clients to identify specific questions and develop tailored research strategies. Our in-depth analyses and insights, including benchmarking against other companies in the same industry, empower businesses to make informed choices in enhancing their culture and employee engagement. Furthermore, we actively share the results of our own research on employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and company culture, aiming to drive positive change and improve industry best practices.

How to be a great manager: Eleven traits to embody

1. Strong communication skills: Effective communication skills are essential for managers to effectively convey their ideas to their team members.
2. Empathy: By empathizing with your colleagues, you will enhance your ability to identify their challenges and develop efficient resolutions.
3. Leadership: A proficient manager is someone who possesses the ability to motivate and unite their team towards the accomplishment of shared goals.
4. Organizational skills: Effective team and task management can be significantly enhanced through the cultivation of strong organizational skills and efficiency.
5. Flexibility: The attributes of an exceptional manager encompass adaptability and receptiveness towards novel ideas and methodologies.
6. Positive attitude: Promoting a positive work environment has been widely recognized as an effective strategy for enhancing productivity and boosting employee morale.
7. Good listener: An exceptional leader is characterized by their ability to attentively listen and effectively address the concerns and suggestions put forth by their team members.
8. Decision-making skills: Effective managers must possess the capability to make difficult decisions, which necessitates the refinement of their decision-making skills.
9. Time management: Enhanced team management and goal attainment can be achieved through the acquisition of effective time prioritization skills.
10. Innovative thinking: Engaging in unconventional thinking and harnessing the power of imagination can facilitate the discovery of distinctive solutions to complex inquiries.
11. Continuous learning: An exceptional manager is receptive to novel concepts and consistently endeavors to enhance their skills and abilities.

In order to excel in management, it is imperative to cultivate certain qualities. It is important to note that achieving excellence in managerial roles requires consistent effort, unwavering commitment, and continuous development.

How to hire great managers

Investing in the recruitment of competent management is crucial for the growth and prosperity of any company. The impact of a manager on an organization and its workforce can be significant, with the potential to yield positive or negative outcomes. To ensure the acquisition of exceptional managers, the following recommendations are provided:

1. Define the role: It is of utmost importance to define the manager’s responsibilities prior to commencing the recruitment procedure. It is imperative to delineate not only the specific duties and obligations associated with the role, but also the distinctive talents and qualities that the prospective candidate must possess.
2. Look for experience: Take into account individuals who have previously managed similar teams or successfully executed similar projects.
3. Assess leadership qualities: Outstanding managerial skills encompass the ability to communicate proficiently, devise innovative solutions to challenges, and inspire and motivate team members.
4. Conduct behavioral interviews: Behavioral interviews are a highly effective method of assessing a candidate’s suitability for a position by delving into their past experiences and performance. These interviews provide valuable insights into an individual’s capabilities and help ascertain their qualifications.
5. Check references: To ascertain the candidate’s professional background and gain deeper insights into their work ethic, managerial approach, and interpersonal skills, it is advisable to reach out to their former employers and colleagues for verification.
6. Consider cultural fit: Finding a manager who aligns with the company’s core values is of utmost importance to facilitate seamless integration within the team and drive the overall success of the organization.
7. Offer a competitive compensation package: To attract and retain top-tier managers, it is imperative to offer them a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

Identifying the responsibilities, assessing the leadership traits of potential candidates, administering behavioral interviews, verifying references, assessing cultural compatibility, and offering a competitive compensation package are all crucial measures in the recruitment of exceptional managers. By adhering to these protocols, you can enhance the likelihood of securing a remarkable manager who will drive your enterprise towards success.

Leverage the power of data to develop more great managers

Accurate information plays a pivotal role in the establishment of proficient management teams. By meticulously scrutinizing data, organizations can effectively identify areas of managerial strength as well as pinpoint areas that necessitate further training and development. This enables organizations to aptly cater to the requirements of their managers, thereby enhancing their overall performance.

Some examples of how businesses are using data to train future leaders:

1. Conduct regular performance evaluations: Periodic performance reviews can serve as a means to gather data on the effectiveness of managers. This information can be utilized by managers to identify areas of weakness and enhance their abilities, thereby preparing themselves for greater success.
2. Use employee feedback: A comprehensive understanding of managers’ strengths and weaknesses can be achieved by leveraging employee feedback. Armed with this valuable insight, businesses can effectively train and develop their managers to enhance their ability to tackle specific challenges.
3. Utilize leadership assessments: Leadership assessments provide valuable data-driven insights into managers’ abilities, character traits, and leadership styles. Leveraging this information, we are able to tailor individualized programs that foster the professional growth and development of each manager.
4. Analyze turnover rates: Inadequate leadership and employee engagement by managers may contribute to elevated turnover rates. To address this issue, organizations can leverage manager turnover rates as a tool to identify leaders who would benefit from additional coaching and resources.
5. Implement learning and development programs: Organizations can enhance their support to managers in acquiring the requisite skills for success by leveraging data on the talents and competencies crucial to effective managerial performance.

Effective management can be cultivated and developed through the utilization of data. Enterprises can leverage data analytics and insights to identify areas where their managers may be lacking and subsequently offer tailored training and development programs to enable them to achieve their maximum capabilities.