Don’t be a L.O.U.S.Y manager

Being a manager especially of people is a difficult job that requires a lot of learning day to day. Every manager must get some basic tasks right and try to avoid the following;

Leaving your team to their own devices: As manager, you must provide direction to your team and guide them daily in a way that is helpful to each individual. Sometimes, managers can shirk this responsibility for fear of coming across as micro-managing. A good approach is to understand the needs of individuals as one person may need close guidance whilst another may not.

Overly concerned with your own work: Sometimes in addition to coaching your team to be highly productive, you most likely have other assignments unrelated to this role. But don’t get so engrossed in this other work that you ignore supporting your team. By being an attentive manager you can understand how your team is doing, what help they need, and how best to provide it.

Undermining efforts of your team: Make sure that as manager there is fundamental trust and respect between you and your team. Make sure you demonstrate integrity in all your actions. Don’t operate on rumours, hearsay or favouritism. Work with your team to create an environment where everyone feels they can do their best. Don’t take credit for their ideas and accomplishments.

Scare them by barking orders: Some managers see this as a way to show their authority and ostensibly to get things done. But we all know that hardly achieves anything except to make others feel unappreciated and disrespected. If the team fails, you fail so it’s in your interest to work WITH them rather treat them as people who work FOR you.

Yearning for personal recognition: For example, pay more attention to doing the things that you feel will benefit you personally. Do not always aim at pleasing your boss at the expense of your team. Your team would want to know how they are doing. Give them feedback so that they keep on improving and delivering results. In the end they will get the recognition they deserve from decision makers.

Now take action: Identify one way you can be a better manager to your team.