Be a People Builder

We’ve all had them, managers who build and those who tear down. Research is clear that people join organisations but leave because of their manager. So whether you manage others or hoping to do so here are some areas to focus on to become more effective.

UNDERSTAND YOUR ROLE: Is your job to call the shots?, sometimes. Is it to grow people and get results? Absolutely; and you can only do that when know what motivates your team members, draw on their strengths and how to help them get to the next level.

EARN YOUR RESPECT: Your title or position can give you leverage but not necessarily respect. When your team respects you they believe that even your hard decisions are done for their good. In turn respect all and not only those you want to impress or who can promote you.

BECOME A COACH: Don’t just be the boss, be the one that helps them to excel. Actively listen, give constructive feedback, stretch people without causing them to fail. Don’t waste talent by trying to provide all the answers; to do so is to fail in a fundamental duty as manager.

BE PREDICTABLE: As the leader, you must provide stability. People must know what to expect from you; be even handed, avoid being moody or leaving people guessing what your response is likely to be in a given situation. When the goalposts are clear people show initiative within the framework.

PROVIDE CLARITY: Not being clear or constantly changing the rules breeds confusion. Be clear about performance targets, your communication preferences, work accountabilities and the protocol. Promote a clear set of team values and be sure to live by the same rules.

NO DIVIDE AND RULE PLEASE: You can be divisive by having your ‘favourite people’ by ignoring some, keeping others on the sidelines or by judging and condemning others ‘forever’. Give everybody a chance and learn to wipe the slate clean from time to time. Working with individuals only based on their history will stunt their growth.

CREATE TRUE OWNERSHIP: If your team cannot function in your absence, you have not led well. You get all on board by building rapport, recognising contribution, not operating in a hierarchical fashion and not weighting your own contribution more highly than others.

PUSH OUT INTERNAL TERRORISTS: A manager must be decisive, whip up positive energy and act swiftly to tackle negative attitudes. Don’t create power bases within the team, change the rules for one person or allow those who are deliberately bringing the team down to remain.

CARE ABOUT PEOPLE: When someone knows that you believe in them it makes them want to give 110%. When you care you don’t hit the roof because your staff made a genuine mistake or made you look bad. If you want an effective team you cannot keep them on a leash!

Now take action: Identify 3 ways to improve how you manage people