3 Characteristics of Effective Managers

Was working with a group of newer managers last week on the topic of leadership. We were talking about the actions of leadership vs. management and the need for leaders to be effective managers as well.  One of the exercises involved identifying the top characteristics of effective managers.   The top three as determined by the group:

• Good communicator
• Sets a good example 
• Innovative - willing to explore different ways of doing things 

What made these stick out from the list of 25 they reviewed?   The group spent 2 days interacting and discussing ideas around being cause driven,  transitioning to a team leadership role,  hiring the right team, providing feedback,  and coaching for success.   Communication influences each topic and is critical for success in each area.   It involves sharing the cause that drives organization,  delegating tasks effectively,  listening to team members and prospective team members,  an clarifying goals,  expectations, and feedback. 

Setting a good example seems like an obvious "duh" moment.  I think it goes back to the fact that we want to follow and be led by leaders and managers that have their walk and talk align.  Trust develops when we experience this.   Without trust,  the relationship falters - the example we want to model is eroded.   This group recognized this in themselves and identified being a good example as a core competency to aspire. 

The final characteristic,  being innovative and open to new ways of doing things,  highlights the desire to develop people.   Giving our teams step by step instructions and not allowing them to create with the clear outcomes in mind only creates puppets - not future leaders who can think critically through a task.   There is a place and time for complete detail,  but the development of people requires effective managers to be open to new ways of doing things developed by their team. 

I think the group did a great job identifying the competencies for success.  Developing communication skills,  setting a good example  - walking the talk,  and exploring different ways of doing things will make a big difference in their organizations and in their teams.   How are you doing in these areas?