Seven Habits of Highly Effective Managers

A manager provides guidance and has upper decision-making power to those under them. Business managers are typically in charge of the bottom line whether that is seen as financial productivity, or customer satisfaction. It takes a great deal of expertise and often higher education to become a manager, but it also takes some important habits to be truly successful.

Have a Goal
The unsuccessful business manager sees each day as the same, and does not work toward a specific goal. Clearly defining a goal, both personally and for the company, can provide the needed passion and persistence it takes to succeed.

Communicate Simply
Communication is key for a great managers since they must communicate tasks, requirements, and goals to employees simply and understandably. This allows employees to succeed, as well and develops a feeling of multi-level camaraderie in the office. Make yourself approachable and easy to talk to.

Appreciate Employees
Employees also need to feel appreciated and valued. This can be accomplished by simple daily tasks, such as spending a coffee break with employees, personally signing an employee birthday card, or listening to the employee’s own goals. Be present and interested in their lives.

Treat Employees Individually
In much the same way, employees need to feel they are seen as individuals by the manager rather as one large entity. Sensitivity towards employees’ desires and concerns make employees feel as if they are an integral part of the group, giving them the desire to make the company successful. This in turn helps a manager succeed.

Stay Confident
Confident managers make those around them feel like they can also succeed. The best type of manager is never overly arrogant in their position and skills, but are confident in the overall health of the company.

Look at the Bright Side
Optimistic managers inspire optimism in employees, which leads to more passionate work and success. Employees love to work for this type of a manager because they feel energized and happier in their daily environment.

Organize
Organization is more of a task, but is just as important of a habit as the others are. The organized manager plans ahead and will be able to see potential problems sooner than those around him will.

So many habits go into the making of a truly great manager. While getting an MBA masters in business administration is an awesome start, managers also need to work on their internal qualities. These allow them to connect with their employees and customers, while being seen as a passionate leader who can bring about needed change.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.