by Todd Pheifer

Created on: October 13, 2009

There are many traits and behavioral patterns that define a good manager. Some aspects of solid management are learned, while others seem to be connected to natural talent. The effective manager is often the person who can read the environment and make informed decisions while at the same time keeping a team on the "same page" and moving everyone along in the process. Granted, this can sometimes be easier said than done, but making wise decisions is often a major part of being a good manager. Here are a few thoughts on the benefits of a decisive manager.

Keeping things moving

A decisive manager is often successful because they are able to keep things moving. There may be times when employees do not necessarily agree with the decisions that the manager makes on a daily basis. However, if a manager is decisive, they can often keep a department or division moving along, which doesn't always allow for a lot of time to complain about certain decisions. In many situations, people are happier when a manager makes decisions on a regular basis, as opposed to "waffling" or being generally indecisive. A department can sometimes feel uncomfortable when everyone is standing around waiting for "someone" to make a decision.

Sense of confidence

Another reason that decisive managers are often seen as good managers, is that they inspire confidence in their employees. People do not necessarily want to be pounded into submission by an authoritative supervisor. Nor do they want their boss to be making decisions that do not reflect the wishes of anyone else in the department. However, to a certain extent people do want to be led and they appreciate it when managers make a plan and actually stick to it. When people look around a company and see other managers that are more "wishy-washy", it can make them appreciate the supervisor who is able to make decisions on a regular basis.

Making decisions does not guarantee that a manager will be successful or well-regarded by their employees. Sometimes people make decisions that are consistently unpopular with their staff and reflect a general lack of awareness of their surroundings. In these cases, the decisive manager may not be a "good" manager. Making decisions on a regular basis can have a positive impact on an organization, but decisive managers still have to make decisions that will allow employees to buy into the process and ultimately follow the manager through the next phase of the organization.

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