Some of the biggest mistakes a manager can make involve how they interact with their staff. Most people believe a manager is responsible only for their department’s workload. This is not true. Managers are also responsible for their staff’s knowledge and well-being.
Managing the workload may come as second nature to most managers however, managing people takes skill, perseverance, and a caring attitude.
Most managers excel at meeting deadlines and working within their budget. However, managers often fall flat when they are interacting with their staff. The biggest mistakes that are made by managers are their people interaction skills.
Managing people is very similar to leading people, with similar skills overlapping management and leadership. Though these skills may be second nature or taught to leaders, managers are taught to manage. Specific skills make a big difference when interacting with your team and how your team perceives you as their manager.
Related: Management and Leadership The Same, Or Not?
Managers who understand their position is more than managing the workload know the importance of understanding, teaching, learning from, and cultivating their staff. These 5 skills will establish a strong and loyal bond between themselves and their team.
Empowerment
Empower employees by giving them the tools they need to successfully complete their assigned tasks. Remember the quote,”Give a man a fish and feed him today, teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime?” Teaching your staff the skills they need for job success over the long haul is more important than giving them quick answers or doing the job yourself. Train your staff to handle different situations. Teach them a wide range of skills to boost knowledge and confidence to work successfully and make decisions independently.
Adaptability / Flexibility
Nothing is worse than a rigid manager who is unable to change or listen to suggestions from their staff. Keeping an open mind, soliciting new ideas, and rolling with the punches all contribute to a good working environment and open communication between manager and staff.
Motivation / Feedback
When a staff member completes a project, hits a goal, or has a great idea, recognize them for it. Don’t wait until their annual review comes around. Mention it right then and give them sincere praise. Feedback is a top way a manager can encourage their employees. Motivation also comes is many different forms including rewards, career advancement, and supporting new and innovative ideas. Work with team members to develop their intrinsic motivation and establish a positive work atmosphere.
Related: 36 Ways Successful Leaders Motivate Their Employees
Empathy
Patience, understanding, and relating to staff members on a personal level makes a manager more accessible. To be thought of as a member of the team, a manager must relate to their employee’s feelings and genuinely care about what is happening in their lives. These skills make you accessible and taken down from any pedestal you may be on as “Manager.”
Authenticity
Being authentic in relationships with your staff members means being true to your character and your values regardless of external pressure. Be comfortable showing emotion, listening to your heart, and understanding how your decisions today impact tomorrow. Actively listen when your staff is discussing ideas or their personal lives. Show genuine interest and don’t be afraid to share your own thoughts and feelings.
As a manager, how do you relate to your team members? Do you become involved with their daily lives, do you listen to their ideas? Do you find the more involved you become with your staff the less they listen to you as their manager?
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