by Sammy Stein

Created on: March 24, 2009

There are many qualities which distinguish a successful manager from those who think they are successful but in fact have not respect of their staff.

Firstly, the successful manager listens to staff. Your employees are the source of strength in any company. You need to be sure you are using them in the right roles to achieve their potential both from a personal stance and also from the company's view point. Happy employees will be loyal and you are less likely to lose them - along with the investment of any training you have given.

A successful manager will be open to feedback from employees and listen if they have a genuine gripe. They will also be quick to see when things are not running smoothly and be open to discuss why this is so with staff and see how any issues can be resolved together and go forward.

A successful manager learns to criticise in a positive manner. If an employee has difficulties in an area, see how you can help them, offer them training or put them in contact with a colleague with experience who may offer help.

A succesful manager also allows employees to grow and learn. Sometimes, this can mean taking a back seat whilst watching them make mistakes but a successful manager will know when to step in and when to leave well alone.

A successful manager also remembers their role. They are the manager, not a mate and they need to ensure a certain distance is kept in order to be able to keep and maintain the respect of their colleagues. Delegation is a key part of the successful manager's portfolio and knowing the right people to delegate to for jobs to be carried out successfully means knowing your staff and their strengths but it does not mean getting drunk at parties with them and going clubbing.

A successful manager needs to show support for staff if they have problems that affect their work or in their personal lives and give them space to sort things out so they can come back and work refreshed and with their mind on the job but they also need to be able to spot when they are being given a story and a member of staff is trying it on.

Above all a successful manager needs to be a listner, beyond reproach, know the job and be able if necessary to show others how to do it.

They need to be a good role model and remember their role at all times. They need to keep themselves up to date with poolicies, make sure the appropriate staff and managers under them are certain of their expectations and roles and generally, maintain the high standards that they themselves set in the work place.

Learn more about this author, Sammy Stein.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.