To be a Good Manager, one need to exhibit certain characteristics. Here are a list of characteristics, which when practiced would make us to be a good manager.
1. Self-Motivation: Ability to get yourself going and take charge of what’s next. You have to keep yourself going and motivate those who work with you.
2. Integrity: People trust a good manager. Staff need to know that you will fight for them, do what you say, and follow the rules.
3. Reliability: You should be reliable. Your superiors as well as your subordinates need to know that you can be counted on.
4. Optimism: Optimistic attitudes help building morale in your staff. Always, look at the opportunities than the constraints.
5. Self-Confidence: You need to be able to take decisions in confidence and show others that you are capable of taking good decisions.
6. Calmness: As the manager, you can’t afford to break down when the pressure is on. To remain calm and do what needs to be done is essential.
7. Flexibility: A certain amount of flexibility is needed to adapt to changing situations. World is changing. Change is the only constant.
8. Industry Knowledge: Knowledge is power. It helps to understand your industry so that you can answer customers’ confidently and perform your work more effectively.
9. Know how to Delegate: You can’t do everything yourself. Some tasks need to be delegated. Identify staff who will do well and give them tasks they can succeed.
10. Organization: You need to be organized. Keep track of targets, house keeping etc so that you have control over the situation.
11. Communication: Communicate in simple terms. Language is important but message is more important.
12. Constructive Feedback: To provide feedback in a way that is acceptable to others.
13. Active Listening: The most important communication skills is listening. Listen to your staff, superiors and customers to convey the message that you acknowledge them.
14. Be specific: When giving instructions, be specific on what you want and what you expect. Make sure your staffs understand what should happen.
15. Customer Service: Build good relationships with customers. Learn how to relate to customers and see things from their perspective. Put yourself in their shoes and deliver what you might have otherwise expected.
16. Mediator: You need to act as a mediator between staff, between a staff and customer. Learn conflict resolution techniques to be a good manager.
17. Team Player: It is important to function as part of a team to succeed. Make sure that you are willing to work with others.
18. Respect: To be respected as a manager, first you need to be respected by your own staff. Give respect to get respect.
19. Value Others: A good manager helps employees feel valued. Staffs want recognition from their superiors. Don’t miss to recognize contributions from your staff.
