Let me set the expectations right before you read any further into this article. This is not “the ultimate guide” or “the corporate bible” that one can refer to when you become a manager. This article is in fact to refresh the things that you are probably already aware of but do not often practice or recognise them as important elements of being ina managerial role.
1. It’s not always about the targets!
With every aspect of business becoming so competitive and demanding, managers tend to focus on achieving targets, meeting deadlines and can forget to acknowledge the employee’s contribution. If not forthe company’s reward and recognition forums, promotions or compensation, a simple “thank you” notesent promptly by a manager could make a big difference.
2. Man-age-r
As a manager, one should empower his or her team to seek opportunities and demonstrate interest in their career in addition to personal growth. It’s often propagated that each individual should own their careers, but it doesn’t stop the manager to suggest or plan out career progression ideas and discuss with the employee. Taking interest and providing direction to your delegates helps build a healthy professional relationship.
3. Communicate and not talk
People talk and communicate less. Take a moment to observe the pulse in your team after reading this article. Everyone talks but there is no real communication that happens as the message one party is trying to convey gets either altered or interpreted differently. As a manager you need to ensure the environment is healthy where people have open channels to discuss, deliberate and challenge processes.
4. Listen and Understand
This is mostly experienced in 1-2-1 conversations where managers speaks more than their direct reports. It’s important to understand that as a manager one is required to dedicate the 30 or 60 minutes every week, fortnight or month to the employee to ensure the conversation is more about listening. This in turn ensures employee expectations are understood clearly. Remember this is the only slot the employee gets with you to speak their mind and it’s only fair that they get the chance regularly and the meeting is effective.
5. Reflect on feedback
Nobody’s perfect. Just because you are a manager doesn’t mean you are better than your team. Always be open to receiving feedback from your direct delegates and reflect on it to ensure you get confidence from your employee that their perspective / constructive feedback does matter to you.
About Krishna Priya
Krishna Priya is an avid traveller, dancer and multi-lingual young person who speaks four Indian languages. Krishna is currently focussed on her investment banking career but also wants to also explore her writing skills. She is delighted to be contributing as a blogger to WeAreTheCity India.
