How to be a good manager

Business management combines an interesting mix of theory and practice. There are countless studies on management styles, and there's an ongoing debate about management versus leadership. As management guru Peter Drucker famously said, "Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things."

While these theories are valuable, becoming a good manager often comes down to the everyday behaviours that build trust, develop people and help teams perform at their best.

Do you think you're a good manager? What are your thoughts on your current manager?

There's a well-known saying that people join companies but leave managers. Whether or not that's always true, it highlights the important role managers play in shaping the employee experience.

With that in mind, here are seven practical ways to become a better manager.

1. Motivate

Why are your employees at work?

Don't assume it's simply for the salary. Ask them and, most importantly, listen to their answers before taking action where you can.

If someone values their health, perhaps offering flexibility around exercise or wellbeing initiatives could make a difference. If they're motivated by learning, look for opportunities to develop their skills through training, mentoring or new experiences.

Understanding what motivates each member of your team will help you build greater engagement, commitment and trust.

2. Delegate

As a manager, you're expected to be good at what you do. That doesn't mean you should do everything yourself.

Your role is to help others develop their skills. Once people understand what's expected of them, trust them to deliver.

There is nothing more frustrating than being asked to complete a task only to receive constant suggestions and corrections throughout the process.

Avoid the temptation to micromanage. Instead, agree the outcome, provide support when needed and allow people the space to find their own way. Delegating effectively empowers your team and builds confidence on both sides.

3. Communicate

Good communication is essential.

Your team should understand what's happening around them and how their work contributes to the wider organisation.

Share relevant company updates, explain the reasons behind important decisions and encourage people to share their own ideas and feedback.

Communication is a two-way process. As well as keeping your team informed, make sure you're also championing their successes and representing their work across the organisation.

Regular one-to-one conversations can also help people feel heard, supported and connected, whether they're based in the office, working remotely or following a hybrid pattern.

4. Understand

Managers are often seen as a source of information and guidance.

Your team should feel confident that you'll either know the answer or help them find it.

If you don't know something, be honest, find the information and come back to them. People don't expect managers to know everything, but they do value honesty, reliability and a willingness to help.

Create an environment where your team feels comfortable asking questions, raising concerns and sharing ideas.

5. Explain

People perform best when they understand what's expected of them.

Set clear objectives and achievable milestones, then review progress regularly. Celebrate successes, recognise improvements and discuss opportunities for development where needed.

Many employees value having a clear picture of how they can grow within their role. Regular one-to-one meetings and constructive feedback help ensure there are no surprises when it comes to performance reviews.

6. Learn

Not everything will go according to plan.

When something doesn't work out as expected, take time to understand what happened and what could be done differently next time.

Encourage your team to do the same. Creating an environment where people feel able to learn from mistakes, rather than hide them, helps everyone improve.

The important thing isn't avoiding every mistake; it's making sure the same lessons don't need to be learned twice.

7. Acknowledge

Everyone appreciates recognition, although some people value it more than others.

Don't just focus your attention on team members who are struggling. Make sure your strongest performers know that their efforts are noticed and appreciated too.

Recognition is most effective when it's timely and specific. Let people know exactly what they've done well and the positive difference it has made.

A culture of appreciation encourages confidence, motivation and continued high performance.

Great managers never stop learning

The essence of being a great manager isn't something you can learn from a textbook alone.

Good managers are often decisive, organised, supportive and able to bring out the best in the people around them. While some individuals may have a natural aptitude for leadership, management is a skill that can be developed through experience, reflection, feedback and a willingness to keep learning.

Almost every role involves managing people, projects or relationships in some way, making these skills valuable throughout your career.

What do you think makes a good manager? Are there qualities you particularly value in your own manager, or skills you'd like to develop yourself?