Climbing up the ladder to become a manager isn’t for everyone. Especially if you learn along the way that, in a way, you are the ladder, and your main role is to help others reach higher levels.
Philosophical metaphors aside, managing a team in an ambitious business is a craft–a skill you need to work on, and one that requires a vision. What you need to become and be a successful manager are strategies.
Because being a great manager today isn’t just about leading teams. You’ll have to know the right tools, understand business ideas and fuel growth, and keep an open mind.
A lot of balls to juggle, but with a plan in place, you’ll keep them all in one piece. Here’s how you formulate your very own strategies for success — whether you’re already a manager or aspiring to become one.
Even if you’re just great with people and have a knack for business, it won’t mean you’ll make a great manager. If you’re in it for the long run, winging it really isn’t an option.
Because being or becoming a great manager is not merely about directing tasks that are right in front of you. It’s a role that comes with the responsibility of guiding both the business and the people in it towards success–which sometimes requires abstract thinking, yet practical planning.
A well-thought-out strategy is pivotal for this journey. Here’s why.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of formulating one all-encompassing strategy that includes your management style, business goals and people skills, don’t fret. We actually advise you to formulate several smaller, targeted strategies so you cover all the necessary elements. We’ll talk about the following five:
Let’s start with the first one.
Every craftsman needs their tools, and modern managers are no different.
Knowing what role you want tech to play in your management style is crucial. Think about what tools you want to familiarize yourself with, which ones are important for your team, and how you want people to use it. How much will you rely on machines, and how much on humans?
For instance, understanding how an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) works isn’t about using it to find a job, but knowing how it can filter out or highlight potential candidates based on specific criteria. This ensures only the most fitting candidates come to the forefront.
Implementing an ATS resume template can streamline the hiring process–for both you and applicants.
Every month, set aside time to evaluate the tools currently in use. Identify which tools are yielding the desired results and which aren’t. Consider new tools that might enhance productivity or fill gaps.
A manager builds a bridge between the business’s big ambitious goals and those of the individuals working there. Having a strategy in place to connect these two is the cement that a bridge needs to last. It helps keep people motivated and creates a sense of responsibility.
At the start of each quarter, organize a session where team goals are reviewed and aligned with overarching business objectives. Break down yearly goals into quarterly milestones and ensure every individual knows how they need to contribute.
A lot of well-meaning managers turn from proactive to reactive when daily tasks pile up. That’s why mindful leadership is so important. It helps you be present, shows you the implications of your decisions, and helps you lead with empathy.
Moreover, it helps managers prevent their own burnout, which is often what sparks burnout in other team members. Taking care of yourself and the way you lead is actively taking care of those around you.
Self-reflection is something most of us drop immediately when things get too busy. But not you, if you really want to become the best manager. Allocate a specific time each week for self-reflection, to contemplate on decisions made, challenges faced and feedback received. Do also share anything important you learn in these sessions with your team.
If your team doesn’t get the tools and time to learn and evolve, you might as well go back to using dial-up internet. As a manager, it’s your job to motivate your employees to learn, but it’s even more important to enable them to do so without it overloading their schedule.
Align with higher management on what you think your team needs, and propose a structure and strategy to make continuous learning happen.
Introduce monthly challenges where every team member (including yourself) picks up a new skill or topic related to the industry. At the end of the month, conduct a knowledge sharing session. Do make sure this is part of the work people do, and not additional to their normal work load.
Maybe it should’ve been first on the list because it is the most important thing for managers–but we’ll end with it, so it’s the last thing on your mind. How you communicate is how you manage. You can’t be a great manager and have below-par communication skills.
So, find out how you are communicating with your team–even though that might be hard at first, and actively work on ways to do better.
Establish a routine where, every other week, a team member provides feedback to you. This will help you get multiple perspectives, but it will also teach you a lot about communication styles, what works on who–and what’s right for you. You can streamline this by creating a template for one-on-one meetings with employees, which you can perfect over time to make the most out of these sessions.
Of course, our examples only scratch the surface of what you can do. Here are some questions to ask yourself to define strategies that fit your style, personality and goals.
Understanding yourself
Understanding your team
Understanding the business
Understanding your own goals
Selecting the strategies
Evaluating strategies
It’s not just about getting things done–it’s how they get done. As you formulate your own strategies, reflect: how do you want others to describe you as a manager now, and after having worked with you for five years? Keep this in mind when defining your plan, and check in every so often. It’ll make being a great manager so much more…manageable.