by Hayley Solich

Created on: December 08, 2007

TEN QUALITIES OF A SUCCESSFUL MANAGER

It is easy to find a bad manager, but much harder to find a successful one. So what makes a manager successful? Here are my top ten qualities of a successful manager:

1. Demonstrates integrity - A manager should walk the talk. The old saying, "Lead by example" is the first quality that makes a manager a stand out.

2. Deals honestly and diplomatically - A manager, who owns their mistakes, deals openly, and honestly with others, earns the respect of those they are trying to lead.

3. Demonstrates flexibility - A manager who is responsive to the needs of the business AND the needs of employees, is able to keep his team on target and yet achieve the goals of the business.

4. Shows commitment and reliability - A manager who delivers their promises shows their team that they are reliable and promotes trust.

5. Listens effectively - A manager who 'seeks first to understand, then to be understood' (Dr Steven Covey) is a manager who will always have their finger on the pulse of the business.

6. A good negotiator - A manager who comes to the table prepared to give a little that the outcome is a positive one for everyone, will not only earn the respect of his employees but be guaranteed of the opportunity for further negotiations in the future.

7. A thorough planner - 'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.' This saying is especially true for managing. A manager is a coach to their team and the team are looking to them for the game plan.

8. Is fair - A manager who doesn't take sides, show favoritism or victimize those they are supervising, will earn their trust and in turn, will have more personal power to influence their team for good.

9. Knows how to have fun and has a good sense of humor - A manager who is able to promote a safe and happy work environment where appropriate fun is embraced, will ensure the retention of staff.

10. Seeks to understand their workers - A manager who is able to accurately assess the skills, abilities and personalities of their work team, will be able to develop individual managers to maximize their effectiveness and help them reach their potential, whilst focusing their efforts on the goal.

Becoming a successful manager is a journey; however, if these attributes are resident within the individual, motivating a team to follow will be as simple as breathing. All work teams are longing for successful management but a successful manager will only be as successful as the weakest member of his team.

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