Lead Smarter. Grow Stronger
“Your managers are the difference between success and struggle.”
Gallup
Research by Gallup reveals that a staggering 70% of the variance in team engagement is directly influenced by the manager. This highlights just how crucial managers are in shaping employee engagement and performance.
But what makes a manager a great manager?
Great managers stand out not just by their ability to lead, but by how they lead. Great managers are intentional in their actions. They inspire, innovate, and drive their teams toward excellence. Here are six key practices that distinguish great managers from the rest.
ONE Lead by example
Leadership isn’t about giving orders from the top; it’s about setting a standard for others to follow. Great managers lead by example, embodying the values and work ethic they expect from their team. Whether it’s showing up early, consistently meeting deadlines, pursuing further education or handling challenging situations with grace, their actions inspire others to rise to the occasion. This hands-on leadership style builds credibility and earns the respect of the team.
TWO Help new talent grow
The best managers look ahead—envisioning future success. They shift from just being a boss to becoming a coach, nurturing their team’s potential for long-term growth. Great managers provide opportunities for learning and professional development, and they make sure their team has the tools, resources, and autonomy they need to succeed. They get that investing in their people boosts loyalty and performance.
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”
Simon Sinek, Motivational Speaker on Business Leadership and Author
THREE Celebrate great work
A positive workplace culture boosts employee engagement and productivity. Great managers strive to cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment where employees feel valued and respected. They celebrate hard work and wins by recognizing achievements both big and small, whether it’s through shout-outs in team meetings, simple thank-you notes, or even fun rewards like team outings or gift cards. This kind of recognition boosts morale and motivates employees to keep striving for excellence.
FOUR Keep communication clear and open
Great managers excel in both articulating their vision and listening to their teams’ ideas and concerns. They make it a point to connect with team members (including remote employees) regularly, whether daily or weekly, which is often rare in many workplaces. Exceptional managers leverage technology to maintain open lines of communication – including the difficult conversations, offering constructive feedback when needed – to ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal. This transparency builds trust, fosters a sense of inclusion, and helps prevent misunderstandings that can derail projects and team morale.
Gallup finds that only 20% of U.S. employees strongly agree that they have had a conversation with their manager in the last six months about the steps they can take to reach their goals.
FIVE Care about their teams
Great managers understand that life happens, and it can have a big impact on work performance. To an appropriate degree, they stay in the loop about what’s going on in their employees’ lives—whether it’s buying a house, adopting a child, or dealing with a flooded basement. By holding regular one-on-one meetings and offering flexible work hours or remote options, these managers adapt and tailor roles to meet their employees’ needs. Plus, knowing that your manager genuinely cares about you strongly boosts engagement at work.
SIX Empower their people to shine
Great managers understand that their success is intertwined with the success of their team. They empower employees by delegating responsibilities and trusting them to deliver – making employees feel respected, connected, and committed to the team. Exceptional managers are genuinely curious about what motivates their employees, as understanding these drivers is crucial for achieving high performance. By observing the types of projects that inspire their team members and aligning them with similar tasks, great managers foster a sense of ownership while also encouraging creativity and innovation.
The key to a happier and stronger workplace all starts with effective management.
Learn how SovranHR can transform your managers into exceptional leaders, fostering thriving teams and a vibrant work environment.
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