If you’ve got a great boss, consider yourself lucky. Whether you’re at the bottom of the proverbial career ladder or rising the ranks, you likely report to someone. It’s a common thread many of us share, and for those who aren’t as fortunate, you may be considering what traits you should look for in your next manager.
Being a good manager has less to do with who you are as an individual and more with how you make those around you feel. Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Truer words cannot be spoken about the intricate relationship between manager and employee. That said, let’s jump into the four characteristics of a good manager.
A Good Manager Will Be Considerate, Empathetic, a Great Communicator, and Creative.
If you’re evaluating your happiness at your current position, part of your analysis may include reflecting on the people you work with. If you haven’t found a “work bestie,” that’s okay. It’s not essential to career success. However, if you feel you aren’t clicking with anyone at work, it might be time to explore other options. And, if part of your unhappiness is due to an unpleasant manager, know the grass may be greener elsewhere.
Below, we highlight some of the characteristics of a good manager. Reflect on your current situation, and if you find gaps in your present employment situation, reach out to your Inova hiring specialist to put you in touch with new, exciting career opportunities.
1. A good manager will be considerate.
They say positivity breeds positivity and the best example of this is in the workplace. We’ve all had encounters with a “negative Nancy” or a “dreary Drew”—the kind of people who look for the negative in any situation. This can usually be avoided when the negativity comes from a colleague you don’t work closely with. Still, when it comes from a manager, it can cause ripple effects throughout your workplace. A good manager will be considerate of others and cheerful, with a pleasant demeanor that will hopefully radiate throughout the workplace and encourage others to follow suit. Yes, everyone has a bad day here and there, but ask yourself: does my manager seem to have more bad days than good? If a cloud hangs over your office more often than not, it may be time to look elsewhere.
2. A good manager will be empathetic.
How would your manager react if you got a flat tire on the way to work, which made you a few hours late?
A good manager will be empathetic to those around them, understanding and sharing the feelings of others. Should a flat tire set your day back, a good manager would help you problem-solve from a work standpoint. Perhaps they call another team member to cover your shift or offer a calming message: “Don’t rush; just take care of what you need!” A good manager will offer you compassion during tough times.
3. A good manager will be a great communicator.
Communication is more than just how you speak to someone. Effective communicators have excellent active listening skills and speak pleasantly. Great communicators are also sincere and genuine. An exemplary manager will communicate well, making employees feel comfortable sharing their challenges and successes. This type of manager will also be proactive in their messaging, leaving nothing to speculation, especially when giving direction in the workplace or providing imperative updates.
4. A good manager will be creative.
Creativity and confidence are characteristics of a good manager. As a creative resource to the workplace, a good manager will think strategically and look at each initiative’s larger impact. A confident manager will be self-aware and mindful of their team’s goals and subsequent roadblocks. When roadblocks arise, a creative manager will find an innovative solution and guide their team to success.
When a manager displays these four characteristics, employees feel supported and engaged at work, making them more efficient and effective. Everyone wants to be a part of a team that works well together, encourages one another, and succeeds. This all begins with management.
If you’ve got a manager who makes you feel this way, share a kind note of appreciation with them. And, if you’re not one of the lucky ones, know your time is valuable, and a good manager is out there looking for a great employee like yourself. Get started looking for your next move here.
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