Manager tips to try
The following management tips are typically effective across most industries and organizational levels.
1. Use effective listening and communication
Listen to your team and provide constructive feedback. Let employees articulate their thoughts before you respond. Encouraging employees to come to you with ideas or issues helps build trust and confidence, potentially inspiring team members to deliver their best work.
2. Motivate your team to succeed
Learn what each employee enjoys working on and individual expertise. Once you have this information, you might assign projects related to each employee’s interests. You can also assign complex projects to help team members build upon their existing skills.
Motivating your team to enhance or learn new skills can help them grow as employees and produce quality work.
3. Praise employees for good work
When an employee submits impressive work or completes a difficult project, it’s important to recognize their achievements. Share your appreciation in person or writing.
If you have a meeting scheduled, you can acknowledge employees for their recent contributions. You can also write detailed thank-you notes to display in their workspaces.
Team members who receive praise from managers are likely to work harder and be proud of their accomplishments.
4. Check in with employees regularly
Continue building trust by ensuring employees feel comfortable in their work environment and with their projects. Regular check-ins and one-on-ones allow you to navigate roadblocks with team members and provide support.
During a check-in, follow these tips for management:
- Set an agenda in advance.
- Ask the employee how they’re doing.
- Check on the status of specific tasks or projects.
- Discuss challenges the employee is experiencing.
- Offer support where necessary.
5. Help your employees solve workplace problems
Employees can often handle minor problems but may need additional support for complex situations.
If an employee comes to you with a problem, listen carefully to their concerns. Use conflict-resolution skills to help team members work through their differences. If necessary, provide additional resources to help employees achieve their goals. For example, a human resources (HR) professional may benefit from employee scheduling software tools.
6. Set clear expectations
Setting clear expectations helps employees understand their responsibilities, prioritize tasks and manage their time.
It’s also important to explain how you measure success on a task or project. Consider creating specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) goals for each employee.
7. Ask team members for feedback
Regular feedback helps inform managers if team members need help solving problems. It can also help managers adjust their priorities as business needs change.
For example, if team members report a task is taking longer than expected, their manager could provide additional resources to ensure they meet the original deadline.
You might also ask employees for feedback on your management style during one-on-one meetings. If you prefer to receive anonymous feedback, consider sending a department survey or requesting employees leave notes in a department suggestion box.
8. Lead by example
Employees look to managers for inspiration and guidance. To encourage efficiency, enthusiasm and productivity among employees, consider how to display those qualities in your work.
For example, if you tell employees inclusivity is important, you should celebrate team diversity and prioritize accessibility in your workplace. Leading by example helps build trust with employees and encourages similar behavior.
FAQs about management
How can managers prepare for the role?
Consider the following manager tips:
- Talk with your current supervisor and tell them you want more responsibility in your role.
- Research management styles and take management courses online.
- Find a mentor to teach you leadership skills.
What makes a strong manager?
Effective managers generally use the following skills and attributes to manage employees:
- Motivational skills
- Advanced knowledge and experience in their fields
- Strong listening and communication skills
- Time management and organizational abilities
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
What are the five C’s of people management?
The five C’s of people management can help employees reach their goals. If you’re managing people at work, you might focus on developing these skills:
- Creation: Build the right team by assessing employees’ skills, providing adequate training and setting appropriate boundaries.
- Comprehension: Understand each team member’s goals, motivations and personality traits.
- Communication: Focus on communicating effectively with your team members.
- Collaboration: Encourage open communication and a free flow of ideas.
- Confrontation: Proactively address and resolve issues with a respectful demeanor.
