An effective manager wears many hats.
With the right combination of education, training and work experience, a motivated employee can pave the way toward a management position. A title alone means little unless that manager can be effective and have an impact on the bottom line. Drive, personality and leadership style all play into the mix of what defines an effective manager.
Style
The leadership style of a manager plays an integral role in whether employees jump onboard or jump ship. Managers who can rally the troops, communicate the goal, explain the strategy and lead the team toward achievement are effective.
Communication
Communication skills are key in defining an effective manager. Open-door policies with employees set a tone of trust and reliability that translate into productivity. The ability to explain procedures in a clear and concise manner lessens the probability of error.
An effective manager is also defined by his ability to communicate with his superiors, peers and clients. Adjusting his communication style to fit the person, setting or situation is a highly-desired skill for an effective manager.
A manager with excellent communications skills also knows when it is time to listen rather than speak.
Resolution
Knowing resolve a problem or conflict defines an effective manager. Whether the issue is a disgruntled employee, an unhappy customer or a procedure that fails, an effective manager has the tools for resolution. Negotiation and problem-solving are acquired skills that appear to come naturally to an effective manager.
Flexibility
An effective manager is defined by his level of flexibility. Change can occur at any time and for a variety of reasons. Managers who can assess the situation and make the necessary corrections keep the disruptions to productivity to a minimum.
Goal Setting
When each member of the team is striving toward the same goal, it becomes attainable. An effective manager understands set goals, monitor progress, amend action plans when needed and celebrate incremental accomplishments. He also knows reset the goal and keep the team motivated if the goal mark is missed.
Compassion
Though managers are sometimes forced into the role of the disciplinarian to keep production running, an effective manager also has the ability to empathize with his employees. Whether it is a pep talk to boost morale or jumping into the trenches to work alongside his team, an effective manager is defined by knowing when the time is right to adjust his role.
Employees
A truly effective manager is defined by the actions of his employees. Employees who are productive can adapt to change, achieve goals and function like a well-oiled machine -- a sign of a well-managed team.
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