The four things effective managers do

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Every manager must be a leader but this does not diminish the importance of management. On the contrary, in certain times, the manager is more important than ever, explains Tony Faulkner of VSI, Master in Sport Directorship.

Working across sport, business and education I have seen how the ‘effective’ manager plays a role that often-charismatic leaders and autonomous teams are incapable of playing.

Here’s what effective managers do.

Select the right person

When selecting someone they search for talent in the following:

Motivation

 Why do they get out of bed in the morning, why do they do that little bit more than the rest? What is their driver, are they driven internally, externally or both. What is their purpose?

Cognitive

How does this person function, make decisions, find solutions? Does this person have the ability to prioritise, deal with adversity make the tough call and importantly manage and lead them self?

Relationships

Can they build relationships; interact appropriately for a given situation? What personality is required for the role I’m selecting for?

Yet so often we see people hired into roles where they don’t have the talent. Whether they are your friends or not this is not the behaviour of an effective manager.

Set the expectations

Many managers will set the expectations by defining the approach to take. Not effective managers, they clearly define the outcomes required. There is not confusion over what is expected.

Motivate the person

I constantly see managers trying to change people. Commonly they help people identify their weaknesses then expect the person to overcome them.  Once the effective manager has selected for talent and defined the expected outcome their role now is ‘not to demotivate’ their people. Effective managers do not attempt to perfect each person they focus on their strengths to release that person’s potential. They allow them to be more of who they are aligned to the expectations that have been set.

Develop the person

As a manager if you haven’t already at some point, you’ll be asked “Where do I go from here?” Often as a manager you are not the person with the answer, this has to come from the person asking the question but, effective managers assist in helping each person finding the right fit, be it within the organisation or elsewhere. Effective managers challenge and support each person to discover roles, jobs, careers, where their blend of knowledge, strengths and skills marry the requirements of the role.

It is suggested that if, as a manager, you posses this understanding and these skills then you have the ability to manage across professions.

About the author: Tony Faulkner is currently undertaking a PhD looking into the ‘Organisations performance structure’ and consults with Managers and Executives across Sport, Business and Education.
Credit:FCbusiness
Posted by: Aaron Gourley

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