Great managers are the cornerstone of successful organizations. They possess unique qualities that enable them to inspire their teams, drive innovation, and achieve outstanding results. Brian Feroldi, a renowned expert in management, has identified 24 Traits of Great Managers to set you apart. Whether you’re a seasoned manager or aspiring to become one, these traits will provide valuable insights into what makes an exceptional leader. 📈💼
Great managers are driven by an inner fire, not by status or money. This intrinsic motivation fuels their passion and commitment to their work. They find satisfaction in their achievements and the progress of their team, which keeps them going even when external rewards are minimal.
Example: A manager who stays late to help a team member with a project, not because of a bonus, but because they genuinely want to see their team succeed.
With a unique perspective, great managers can identify solutions that most people miss, allowing them to innovate and lead effectively. They think outside the box and are often able to foresee opportunities and challenges that others might overlook.
Example: Implementing a novel workflow that increases efficiency, even though it contradicts traditional methods.
The synergy between a manager’s personality, the product, and the business model creates a seamless fit that drives the company forward. They embody the company’s values and mission, making decisions that align with long-term goals.
Example: A manager at a tech startup who is as passionate about innovation and agility as the company’s founders.
Great managers understand that people perform best when given the room to explore and make decisions independently. They trust their team members and provide them with the autonomy needed to innovate and excel.
Example: Allowing team members to choose their own methods for completing a project, fostering creativity and ownership.
While generally supportive, they know when to take charge and enforce discipline to steer the team in the right direction. They strike a balance between being approachable and authoritative.
Example: Stepping in decisively to resolve a conflict or correct a course when the team is off track.
Focusing on the process rather than just outcomes ensures that decisions are well thought out and sustainable. Great managers emphasize the importance of thorough planning and methodical execution.
Example: Developing a detailed project plan that outlines each step and expected outcomes, ensuring clarity and accountability.
For great managers, money is a measure of impact, not a primary motivator. They focus on creating value and impact, understanding that financial rewards will follow.
Example: Choosing a challenging project with significant impact over a more lucrative but less meaningful one.
They love creating new things and exploring the unknown, much like a chef experimenting with new recipes. Great managers are innovators who thrive on bringing new ideas to life.
Example: Continuously seeking out new technologies and methodologies to implement in their projects.
Their strong influence shapes the company culture significantly, sometimes creating polarization but driving long-term growth. They are not afraid to make unpopular decisions if they believe it’s for the greater good.
Example: Enforcing a strict code of ethics that not everyone agrees with but ultimately strengthens the company’s reputation.
Avoiding corporate jargon, they keep their communication simple and clear, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Effective communication is key to preventing misunderstandings and fostering a collaborative environment.
Example: Explaining complex strategies in straightforward language that everyone can understand and act upon.
The joy of seeing their team succeed and grow drives great managers more than personal accolades. They derive satisfaction from contributing to the success and development of others.
Example: Investing time in mentoring junior team members and celebrating their achievements.
Understanding their strengths and weaknesses, they continuously strive to improve and lead by example. Self-awareness allows them to leverage their strengths and address their weaknesses effectively.
Example: Acknowledging when they need help with a particular skill and seeking out training or mentorship.
Envisioning a future that breaks norms, they inspire their teams to achieve extraordinary goals. Their vision is compelling and motivates everyone to strive for greatness.
Example: Setting ambitious goals that challenge the team to push their boundaries and achieve what seemed impossible.
By eliminating unnecessary complexities, great managers streamline processes and focus on what truly matters. Simplicity often leads to greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Example: Implementing a minimalist project management system that reduces bureaucracy and speeds up decision-making.
Focusing on the company’s mission and the problems at hand helps them develop effective strategies and solutions. They approach problems methodically and consider all angles before making decisions.
Example: Conducting thorough research and analysis before launching a new product to ensure it meets market needs.
They prioritize solving customer problems over just selling products, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. This approach builds long-term relationships and trust.
Example: Developing a product enhancement based on customer feedback, even if it’s not immediately profitable.
They prioritize solving customer problems over just selling products, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. This approach builds long-term relationships and trust.
Example: Developing a product enhancement based on customer feedback, even if it’s not immediately profitable.
Relentlessly taking action to achieve goals, great managers ensure that plans are followed through with precision. They are results-oriented and maintain a strong focus on execution.
Example: Tracking progress meticulously and adjusting strategies as needed to ensure project completion on time and within budget.
Fully committed to the company’s mission, they pour their passion and energy into their work. They see their role as more than just a job; it’s their calling.
Example: A manager who is deeply involved in every aspect of the business and goes above and beyond to see it succeed.
Experiencing their products firsthand, they understand customer needs deeply and advocate for the best user experience. Their decisions are always customer-centric.
Example: Regularly using their own products and soliciting feedback to continuously improve the user experience.
Focusing on creation and innovation, they leave optimization to capable managers within their teams. They understand the value of delegating tasks to experts.
Example: Prioritizing new product development while trusting their operations team to refine and optimize existing processes.
Great managers impart valuable knowledge and insights, helping their teams grow both professionally and personally. They are mentors who invest in their team’s development.
Example: Hosting regular workshops and training sessions to share knowledge and skills.
Surrounding themselves with competent leaders ensures that the team is robust and capable of handling challenges. They build a strong bench of leaders who can take on significant responsibilities.
Example: Recruiting experienced professionals with a track record of success to join the leadership team.
Leaving some profits on the table, they ensure that customers and suppliers are treated fairly and sustainably. They focus on long-term relationships over short-term gains.
Example: Offering fair pricing and terms to suppliers to build strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.
Willing to take risks and make bold decisions, they prioritize long-term success over short-term appearances. They are unafraid to challenge the status quo and try new things.
Example: Implementing an unconventional marketing strategy that pays off in the long run, even though it was initially met with skepticism.
Willing to take risks and make bold decisions, they prioritize long-term success over short-term appearances. They are unafraid to challenge the status quo and try new things.
Example: Implementing an unconventional marketing strategy that pays off in the long run, even though it was initially met with skepticism.
Great managers are not just leaders but visionaries who inspire and drive their teams towards success. By embodying these 24 traits, you can enhance your leadership skills and become an exceptional manager who not only achieves goals but also fosters a positive and productive work environment. 🌟
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