You’re in a people management career. How can you make the most of your time?

1 Set clear expectations

One of the key skills of a people manager is to communicate clearly and consistently with your team members, peers, and stakeholders. You need to set realistic and measurable expectations for yourself and your team, and align them with the organization's vision and strategy. By doing so, you can avoid confusion, conflict, and frustration, and foster a culture of accountability and trust. You can also use feedback and recognition to reinforce positive behaviors and outcomes, and address any issues or gaps in performance.

2 Delegate and empower

Another skill of a people manager is to delegate tasks and responsibilities to your team members, and empower them to make decisions and solve problems. You can't do everything yourself, and you shouldn't micromanage your team. Instead, you should identify the strengths and development areas of each team member, and assign them tasks that match their skills and interests. You should also provide them with the resources, support, and guidance they need, but let them have autonomy and ownership over their work. This way, you can free up your time for more strategic and value-added activities, and also motivate and develop your team.

3 Prioritize and plan

A third skill of a people manager is to prioritize and plan your tasks and projects, and help your team do the same. You need to identify the most important and urgent goals and objectives, and focus your time and energy on them. You also need to anticipate and manage potential risks and challenges, and adjust your plans accordingly. You can use tools and techniques such as calendars, lists, schedules, agendas, and project management software to organize and track your work. You should also review your progress and outcomes regularly, and celebrate your achievements.

4 Learn and grow

A fourth skill of a people manager is to learn and grow from your experiences, and help your team do the same. You need to keep updating your knowledge and skills, and seek feedback and coaching from others. You also need to embrace change and innovation, and experiment with new ideas and approaches. You can use opportunities such as training, mentoring, networking, and reading to expand your horizons and perspectives. You should also encourage your team to learn and grow with you, and create a learning environment that supports their development.

5 Balance and recharge

A fifth skill of a people manager is to balance and recharge your personal and professional life, and help your team do the same. You need to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and avoid burnout and stress. You also need to respect your boundaries and limits, and say no when necessary. You can use strategies such as setting regular working hours, taking breaks, exercising, meditating, and pursuing hobbies to relax and rejuvenate. You should also promote a healthy work-life balance for your team, and respect their needs and preferences.

6 Collaborate and network

A sixth skill of a people manager is to collaborate and network with other people, both inside and outside your organization. You need to build and maintain positive and productive relationships with your team members, peers, managers, customers, partners, and suppliers. You also need to leverage the diversity and expertise of others, and seek their input and advice. You can use platforms and channels such as meetings, emails, social media, and events to communicate and connect with others. You should also foster a collaborative and networked culture for your team, and help them expand their contacts and influence.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?