16 great qualities of a manager
Successful teams thrive under the guidance of strong leaders. The following qualities are often essential for any manager looking to lead their team to success.
1. Communication skills
Strong communication is a fundamental aspect of effective leadership skills. When managers articulate their expectations and nurture an environment of open dialogue, it helps create a cohesive and productive team. However, communication goes beyond speaking. It also involves listening and responding thoughtfully to the team’s needs and concerns.
Consider how an open-door policy encourages transparency. Employees may feel more comfortable sharing ideas and concerns, which can foster mutual respect and trust. Strong communication helps strengthen the team, potentially improving employees’ performance.
2. Emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is vital for outstanding leadership. Managers with high EQs often understand the dynamics of human emotions and leverage this knowledge to build resilient teams.
Managers who excel in this area can diffuse conflicts before they escalate, maintain high morale during tough times and motivate employees by addressing their emotional needs. A high EQ also helps managers lead with a balance of compassion and authority.
3. Ability to adapt
A manager who embraces change and navigates transitions smoothly can often lead teams with confidence. These leaders may be able to manage shifts in technology and unexpected business challenges.
Additionally, adaptive leadership encourages flexibility, which can lead to innovative solutions. A flexible team allows the company to pivot quickly, seize new opportunities and address challenges head-on.
4. Leadership accountability
Accountability is a defining trait of any great manager. It involves creating a culture where everyone is expected to own their roles and contributions. Effective managers lead by example, admit mistakes, deliver timely feedback and celebrate achievements.
This might involve regular check-ins where employees discuss their progress, challenges and areas for improvement. When employees see their manager holding themselves accountable, they’re more likely to do the same.
5. Problem-solving skills
Effective managers approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, viewing problems as opportunities for growth. Being proactive helps you anticipate issues and implement strategies that benefit the team and the organization.
For instance, when a project falls behind schedule, a good manager might assess the situation, identify the cause of the delay and develop a plan with the team to recover. This might involve adjusting timelines or providing additional support to the team.
6. Ability to inspire
Managers can motivate teams by demonstrating competence, recognizing achievements, providing constructive feedback and leading by example. Motivated employees are often more productive and likely to stay with the company long-term.
Consider a manager who regularly acknowledges the team’s hard work and successes—publicly and privately. Recognition can boost morale and reinforce positive behaviors, encouraging other employees to strive for similar achievements.
Related: 17 Tips for How to Motivate Employees Effectively
7. Delegation skills
A manager who excels at task delegation identifies each team member’s strengths and assigns tasks accordingly. Proper delegation helps managers focus on business goals while encouraging team members to grow and develop their capabilities. It can also contribute to a sense of ownership and accountability among employees, potentially increasing engagement and productivity.
They make sure work is completed while helping employees build their skills and confidence. Managers who entrust employees with important responsibilities demonstrate confidence in the team’s abilities, often increasing job satisfaction and employee retention.
8. Integrity and honesty
Integrity may strengthen the entire organization when it’s at the core of management practices. Managers who lead with honesty and transparency build trust with their employees, creating a work environment where everyone feels respected and valued. As with any relationship, trust supports open communication, collaboration and long-term loyalty.
A manager who consistently follows through on commitments and communicates openly sets a standard for ethical behavior. They create a positive work environment where employees feel secure in their roles and confident in leadership’s capabilities.
9. Visionary leadership
Great managers anticipate future challenges and opportunities. Visionary leadership involves setting ambitious yet realistic goals and inspiring the team to work toward them with passion and determination.
A visionary leader might work with their team to develop a long-term strategy that addresses immediate business needs and positions the company for future success. Aligning the team’s efforts with the company’s long-term vision helps drive sustained success and growth, often contributing to higher engagement.
10. Resilience
A resilient manager maintains composure under pressure, providing stability and support to the team. This is a fundamental leadership trait for navigating crises, managing stress and keeping the team focused and productive, even during times of adversity.
Resilience helps the team overcome immediate challenges and makes them stronger and more cohesive. Consider a manager leading their team through a challenging project or a period of significant change.
11. A drive for continuous improvement
Innovation drives progress, and great managers know how to harness it. By encouraging creative thinking and new ideas, you can cultivate an environment where innovation thrives.
A manager who values innovation might hold regular brainstorming sessions where team members propose new ideas and solutions. This innovation may feed creativity while empowering employees to take ownership of their work and contribute to the company’s success.
12. Empowerment
Empowerment means giving employees the tools, techniques and autonomy needed to excel. Managers might provide ongoing training and development opportunities to help employees develop skills and advance professionally.
Investing in employee growth can also benefit the entire team. When employees feel empowered, they’re more likely to take initiative, think creatively and collaborate, driving better outcomes for the organization.
13. Collaboration skills
Collaboration is one of the best manager qualities. Great managers know how to pair people with diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals. Teamwork generally enhances communication and, as a result, increases efficiency.
A collaborative manager might encourage regular team meetings where everyone can share their ideas and feedback.
14. Growth mindset
Being committed to continuous learning keeps managers and their teams competitive. Managers who embrace a growth mindset always seek opportunities for improvement.
A manager who regularly participates in professional development opportunities, such as workshops or industry conferences, can set a strong example for their team.
15. Inclusive leadership
Managers should recognize their team members’ diverse strengths so every employee feels valued.
Inclusive leaders actively seek input from their teams, encourage diverse perspectives and make decisions that reflect the group’s collective input. They also prioritize equity in opportunities so all employees can access the resources needed to succeed. By promoting inclusivity, managers can build a stronger, more cohesive team equipped to tackle challenges and achieve shared goals.
Related: How to Measure Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace
16. Decision-making skills
Effective managers possess strong decision-making abilities. They can quickly assess situations, weigh the pros and cons and make informed choices that guide the team toward success. Whether dealing with a minor issue or a significant crisis, the ability to make sound decisions helps projects stay on track and can build a team’s confidence in leadership.
Cultivate the best manager qualities for growth and success
Harnessing the attributes of a great manager can enhance your leadership skills and help you create a successful organization where every team member can excel. Great management requires a combination of qualities, so there’s always room for improvement.
