The Best Manager in the World

OverviewOffer Constructive Feedback. Getting individuals to
 change behaviour through feedback is only ever
What would the Best Manager in the world look like?effective when delivered constructively. Praise first, be
Imagine what behaviours and attributes they wouldcritical second. Use specific examples or "stories" to
demonstrate and possess. Now imagine if thatmake a point. Individuals can easily relate to stories and
Manager was You.the best Managers know this. You want the individual
 to remember the point you made not the sharpness of
Let's take a close look at the anatomy of a greatyour criticism.
Manager and how you can adopt these attributes into 
your own management style.Timely Input. Great Managers provide timely input.
 When things are going off the rails in week one of the
Leadershipmonth they don't wait till month end to review it. They
 jump on the issue in week one and meet to discuss
Provide Strategic Direction. The best Managershow the problem can be remedied in the three weeks
always outline the strategic direction for the business.remaining in the month. The other key observation is
They understand that team members need to relatethat team members need you when they need you.
their individual role to the overall goal of the business.Be available. Have capacity.
  
Demonstrate Leadership. Great ManagersSupport & Loyalty. Everyone ultimately wants
demonstrate leadership. They always act and behavesupport and loyalty. If people are going to go to war
as leaders. They take swift, timely and direct actionfor you and the business they are going to need your
when needed yet still allow silence or inaction to sitsupport. Real authentic support from the heart. Beyond
when a still mind and patience is called for.ongoing support there will come a time; maybe once in
 a year for even longer, that they will need you to
Explain My Priorities. A Manager must specifically anddemonstrate loyalty to them. This is a defining moment
exhaustively outline the most important priorities forin a Manager's life.
each and every team member. This should be done 
both in writing and verbally. It must be understood howFocus on Me
these relate and align with the overall business 
strategy.Engage Me. No-one ever goes to work to have a bad
 day. We all crave for engagement and great
Give me some Skin in the Game. The art of motivatingManagers get this. They sow seeds, bounce ideas off
people includes the ability to give them some skin in theyou, seek opinions and promote engagement. They
game. Having skin in the game may be via monetarytake individuals out to customer meetings, forward
awards such as bonuses, incentive schemes,correspondence and keep people connected.
employee share plans, profit share or equity. If theseEngagement is the sister of empowerment.
aren't available, great Managers use other incentives 
such as promotional opportunities, overseasOffer Flexibility. Being a contrarian is often a fancy of
secondments, celebrations, additional leave andgreat Managers. With stifling workplace rules work can
experiences money can't buy. Let's face it - we allbe suffocating. The best Managers try and leverage
want in on the action if we truly contribute to businessthis. They might tell staff to come in late, knock off at
success.lunchtime, play a round of golf or take the rest of the
 week off because of a death in the family. This
Empower Me. The best Managers empower people.flexibility is about timing and emotional intelligence.
We all know individuals that make you want to run 
through brick walls and climb Mt.Everest to achieveShow Interest in Me. We all have an ego. You can't
goals. They often have a contagious enthusiasm, alive without one. We all naturally feel better when
spark and a wit that rubs off on you. You enjoypeople show interest in us. The best Managers have a
working with them and feel empowered by theirgenuine interest in their team members. They balance
words and vision.this personal and professional interest with underlying
 integrity and authenticity in each relationship.
Management 
 Offer Assistance. When staff are in the trenches
Rolling Operational Contact. Outstanding Managers setstressed out and bleeding they just simply might need
up rolling check-in points to see how you're goinga little help. The best Managers identify this from time
operationally. They commit to this and then let you doto time and allocate resources to assist, offer
the doing in between. These mini check-ins allow youassistance themselves or listen with empathy.
to ask questions, offer solutions and get importantLet Humour in. Business can be pretty serious alot of
feedback in real time.the time. The best Managers know how to diffuse a
 situation with light humour just to let everyone know
Periodic 1-1's. To complement the rolling operationalthey're all still alive. Sharing a laugh while working
contact, the best Managers ensure they meet withmakes the day go quicker and creates a healthy
you for a 1-1 together periodically. These are oftenworkplace. Great Managers promote this and have
done off-site and take on a "bigger picture" approachgreat skills in finding the balance between serious and
to your performance.lighter moments.