10 Ways to Improve Your Management Skills

We all have different management styles. Some people prefer an autocratic approach where they’re fully in charge. Others are more democratic i.e., choose to collaborate and coach. Then, some feel they stand to get more out of their teams by delegating authority.

Whichever is your preferred style, you must be aware of the heavy burden on a manager’s shoulders. You’re not just responsible for your work but also have a duty to inspire, lead, and motivate your team to accomplish a set of goals.

Not everyone is easy to work with for starters. Moreover, you’re always going to run into hitches. You must consistently improve your management skills to weather these challenges.

The following are ten quick ways to improve your management skills to display authority and leadership while cultivating productive engagement with your team:

Make your vision clear

One of the very first things any manager needs is vision buy-in. Once people understand and buy into your ideas, it becomes a lot easier to build positive engagement throughout the project. If need be, write the vision down and share it with your team.

Maintain good communication

Communication is one of the most important management skills. Ensure every member of the team is up to date on every development. Whether it’s new deadlines, an adjustment of your goals, etc., everyone must be informed right away. Consider using both verbal and written communication.

Acknowledge good work

Even a simple “Thank You” or “Great Job” is very motivating. It shows that you appreciate the efforts of your team. Also, don’t wait for the big wins to congratulate the team – it’s the little things that make a difference.

Make work more fun

The most successful organizations are those with fun workplaces. Look at Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, for instance. They make the workplace fun by encouraging peer engagement and creativity. When people feel they can freely express themselves, they tend to get more work done.

Learn to manage conflict

Unfortunately, there will always be a few misunderstandings in the workplace. It happens to the best organizations. A great leader has the requisite conflict management skills to resolve disputes. More importantly, you need to address the issue swiftly and decisively.

Delegate wisely

Delegation can be a make or break moment for managers. Give the job to the right people, and you’re guaranteed great results. Otherwise, you’re in for trouble. Learn to assign people roles where they feel they are employing their best skills. Match roles with individual strengths.

Set realistic goals

When there’s a job to be done, make sure the objectives and deadlines are realistic. Unrealistic targets tend to demotivate employees and create unnecessary stress. Indeed, unrealistic targets and deadlines are cited as the top two causes of workplace stress. Stress hurts engagement.

Lead by example

Your team looks up to you for leadership and direction. They often strive to do what you do, as you do. If you behave professionally, they, too, will do their best to be professional. To this end, make sure you’re doing what you expect of them.

Empower others

One of the top reasons people leave their work positions today is career growth. Everyone wants a higher, better-paying position. A great manager will understand this and help their team learn and grow. Make each employee’s career and personal development a priority.

Be considerate

Considerate also means sympathetic. It means understanding that your employees aren’t superhuman, that they can fall sick, may arrive at work late, and have personal issues such as financial challenges. Be considerate of these factors and remain open to discussing them with your employees.

Contact PrideStaff if You’re in Need of Staffing Help

PrideStaff is the leading Fort Lauderdale employment agency. We specialize in call center staffing and administrative and clerical staffing. Contact us today for staffing services and to learn other ways to improve your management skills and schedule a no-cost consultation.