7 Powerful Traits of Great Managers

So, what exactly does it take to be the best manager?  

In order to appeal to employees and create a better work environment, displaying the key traits of a manager is imperative. In showcasing positive traits to their employees, a manager has the ability to make a work environment a more productive, functional and a happier place to be.  

Yet, 16 percent of employees have reported their manager for being toxic to the workplace. Unfortunately, this number just goes to show that some managers have a long road ahead in rebuilding their reputation. To do so, one of the best places to start is by understanding what exactly makes a great manager.  

If you’re interested in learning about what it takes to be the best manager possible, this one’s for you. We’re shining a spotlight on the seven most important traits for every manager to possess.  

1. Displaying Humility  

First and foremost, it’s absolutely essential for all managers to showcase their humility.  

Humility is the innermost aspect of one’s self. This is the part of one’s self that showcases real human emotion. When it comes to a managerial role, it’s incredibly important not to ignore one’s sense of humility. 

This is what’s going to allow a manager to connect with their employees and in a human way. This is going to help foster positive relationships and allow others to view the manager as a human rather than merely a manager.  

2. Being Positive  

Let’s face it, those in a managerial position face a number of difficult circumstances throughout the day.  

This could be anything from an unhappy customer and a defective product to sick employees and having to terminate staff members. In the wake of trouble or panic, it’s essential for managers to not only remain positive, but also to display this positivity unto others.  

Without the ability to remain positive, a bad situation is quickly going to turn worse in a workplace environment. Remember, employees depend on their managers to mitigate negative situations and work environments. 

With this, it’s the manager’s role to provide a sense of calmness and peace to counteract troubling times.  

3. Showing Leadership  

In order to work in a management position, showcasing a sense of leadership is a no-brainer.  

Remember, a manager’s goal is to influence their employees toward a common goal. In order to be an effective leader, it’s essential for each and every employee to desire following their manager.  

To achieve this desire, the manager has to establish a sense of trust with their employees. The employees must trust that their manager knows best and that following their guidance is the best overall decision.  

4. Communicating Well  

There’s no denying that good communication is absolutely key for all managers.  

After all, how is a manager supposed to get anything done without being able to communicate? Let’s face it, good communication is going to foster a more positive and healthy work environment.  

When a manager is unhappy with their employees, it’s essential to understand how to communicate this dissatisfaction. The key is to communicate it in a way that is positive, healthy and inspiring of change.  

Similarly, a manager must also understand the notion of communicating positive feedback. When employees are performing well, this type of behavior deserves even more communication from the manager. A good manager will always outline to their employees when a job is well done and praise is deserved.  

5. Showcasing Empathy  

So, what about how employees are feeling?  

Empathy is often a quality overlooked in managerial positions. When it comes to key performance indicators for managers, it’s not too often that workplace environments cover “emotional” qualities such as empathy.  

Yet, it’s ironically one of the most important qualities for any manager to have. After all, if a manager truly wants to understand how their employees and clients are feeling, it’s crucial to have empathy.  

With this, it’s important for all managers to put themselves in the position of their those they are in charge of. By doing this, a manager is better equipped for knowing how to handle negative workplace scenarios.  

6. Expressing Patience 

Ah, yes, the art of patience.  

With a managerial role, it’s safe to say that one’s patience is going to be tested a number of times. This might be while training new employees or working alongside a difficult client. 

Either way, having patience with others is vital for all managers. Without this patience, a manager is quickly going to burn out and burn some bridges along the way as well.  

7. Being Solution-Oriented 

When trouble presents itself, it’s a manager’s responsibility to fix the situation as soon as possible. 

While this might entail risk and nerves, a manager must resist being a witness to such a problem and find an answer. This is what’s going to separate a manager from the employees under them.  

Rather than acting out of emotion, a manager must spring into action and create a solution. This requires incredible problem-solving skills and the ability to think and act quickly.  

The Best Traits of a Manager  

Did you take on a managerial role at your company?  

Before stepping into a managerial position, it’s only natural to assume that you’ll have adequate training to prepare you for this role. Yet, 58 percent of managers state that they didn’t receive any manager-specific training at their jobs.  

With this, it’s clear that not all managers can count on receiving official training for this type of role. Unfortunately, this might mean having to determine the best traits of a manager on your own.  

If you’ve found yourself in such a position, don’t fret. Allow this guide to help inspire you to become the best manager possible. This is a manager that showcases positivity and courage while also expressing patience and revealing their humility in times of need.  

In making a commitment to the above, you can rest assured that you’re going to establish a positive work environment and facilitate constructive relationships with your fellow employees.  

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