7 Ways to Be a Successful Manager

In this short article, I will be giving you some advice on something all managers are experiencing or already have experienced. Taking on a team of staff... This will help you whether it's your first time managing a team or if you've already done it but you're just looking for some pointers!

For many managers, the first thing that you worry about is how you're going to manage your team successfully. You want to immediately throw yourself out there, meet key people, create great products and bring exciting new opportunities to yours and your company's doorstep.

You can make managing your group of employees easier for yourself by remembering these seven essential leadership keys. Your organization will benefit as a result of this.

1. Feedback

Everyone wants to do a good job. But not just that. They want it to be recognised. It is extremely important that managers constantly give feedback to their staff, whether it be that the employee has done something great, or could've done something differently. It all matters. Leaving an open line of constructive communication helps build a strong team and creates opportunity.

2. Delegate Wisely

OK. Maybe you have a specific way of doing things, BUT your employees are the base of the company. You must be able to trust them to carry out tasks for you. Controlling your employees' every little move creates a recipe for disaster. When you allow yourself to create more responsibility for your employees, you're enhancing their leadership skills, their confidence and their ability to carry out more complex tasks in the future. It's better in the long run, the more you put into it, the more you get back!

3. Don't take it too seriously.

Whilst we understand that leading a team to success can be stressful and worrying, you need to remember to have some fun. Instead of having employees going home every night looking for the next excuse to not go to work, enhance their experiences. Give them an extra half an hour for lunch, take them out for drinks or even smile once in a while! Make it enjoyable for them. Studies show that a happy working environment creates a more loyal and energized workforce.

4. Listen

At the end of the day, we're all human; we have good days and we have bad days. We have ideas, we have dreams, we have innovation. A key part of being a successful manager is listening to your employees. If they're happy, sad, angry or upset or just want to talk. Listen. Put your work aside, put down your smartphone and simply listen. For a thriving business, the backbone is the team behind the scenes working to the core. If a team member feels like no-one is listening to them, it can have a serious impact on the work environment.

5. Set Goals

Goals don't only just give employees direction and purpose, they ensure that your team are working towards the overall company expectations and targets. Set specific and appropriate goals with your employees and regularly monitor the progress.

6. Be a leader, not a boss.

It is important that you are a part of the team, leading them to success. The key word here is lead, not boss. A leader inspires their employees to introduce new methods and new ideas, think creatively and strive for perfection. It's easy to be a boss, but every team needs a leader.

7. Switch Off

Easier said than done, I know. But at the end of the day, you need to make time for yourself. Read a book, do some yoga, whatever helps find your happy place... relax! Your health is your first priority. If you are working around the clock and not making time for yourself then it will affect you thus having an effect on your team too.