Managing People: The Art and Science Behind Effective Leadership

Leadership circles often discuss developing "management skills," particularly for new managers. One thing I have realized with time is that the successful management of people is both an art and a science. It's a blend of empathy, strategy, and understanding. A manager can achieve great things with great teams through their ability to access all of those things as needed.?

Our latest blog at Happy at Work by Happy's Devanshi Punch explores this topic. It is full of great advice and insights for new managers looking to amplify their impact right away.?

Let me share some of the highlights with you.

Adopting the 'GROWTH' Approach

The article discusses a concept of management called 'GROWTH' - helping new managers remember these strategies:?

• Guiding your team
• Relationship-building
• Open dialogue
• Working together on goals
• Task delegation
• Holding accountable

G - Guiding Your Team: From Team Member to Team Leader

The leap from being a part of the team to leading it isn't just about a new title. It's about shifting how you view success. It isn’t all about you any more - you only succeed when your team succeeds.?

This is a paradigm shift that will require you to adjust your perspective. Start to look at things from your team’s point of view.

• Consider the impact of a new initiative on others.?
• Ask questions to understand their concerns.?
• Find ways to motivate them to get on board.?
• Embrace a broader view where the team's success becomes your success.

R - Relationship-Building: Developed Around Trust

New managers should establish trust-based relationships with each team member.? Especially if they were promoted to that position and now need to manage their former peers. Establishing trust will help make sure the team feels supported by them in the new role.?

Understanding your team goes beyond their job roles and trying to connect with them as individuals. New managers can benefit greatly by developing their Emotional Intelligence (EQ). They should focus on this just as much as their technical skills.?

Two key things to keep in mind will help along the way.

• Learn Your Team's Motivations: Discover what motivates each member of your new team. Spend some time looking past just the day-to-day tasks, and see what their longer term goals are. This can help you align their work with what is driving them, making them feel more motivated to do their best.??

• Show that your Value Them: Everyone wants to feel that their work matters. Creating a culture of respect and recognition involves listening to their ideas. The team's success is genuinely influenced by their hard work and that should be acknowledged.?

O - Open dialogue: Using Candor With Kindness

Clear and honest communication is crucial for any great manager. It involves not just talking but listening – and trying to truly understand the unspoken sentiments of your team.?

As a manager, you must balance candor and sensitivity. This is crucial, especially during challenging conversations. Mastering the art of delivering candid feedback, with kindness and empathy, will help you in your new role in so many ways:

• It makes your message easier to accept. This makes it less likely for them to be defensive about the feedback.?

• It helps build trust and respect, showing them you will be honest with them but in a way that takes their feelings into consideration.?

• It helps your team grow, providing them with actionable and constructive feedback in a way they can accept and act upon.

• It sets a positive example, setting a tone of kindness and respect.

W - Working together on goals: Collaborating For Success

Once you are in the role of a manager, setting goals is no longer a solo job; it becomes a collaborative process. You aren’t just setting your own goals, you are now setting goals for the team, which will end up determining their success.?

Involving your team in goal-setting ensures alignment with their goals. It also helps them understand alignment with the organization's goals. This will help them see how they contribute to the bigger picture.?

T - Task Delegation: Empowering Your Team

I have seen the same thing come up consistently as a challenge for new managers time and time again. Delegation.?

You are no longer the person who does things. Now, you need to become the person who manages. This change can be very difficult.? Afterall, it was your ability to do the tasks so well that probably contributed to you getting the management position in the first place.?

But it is important to remember, delegating isn't just assigning tasks; it's recognizing and utilizing your team's strengths. Here are some things to remember:

• Look for Natural Alignment: When possible, match responsibilities with individual skills and interests. If someone loves research, get them involved in the deep dives early on. If someone is great at working with people, see how you get them interacting with your customers.?
• Encourage Their Growth: Sometimes, natural alignment isn’t possible. You will need to look for ways to challenge your team to step out of their comfort zones at times. Remember that this is important because it is part of their own journey of building skills and developing.

H - Holding Your Team Accountable: Building a Culture of Accountability

A successful team thrives on clear expectations and mutual accountability. Creating a culture of accountability involves setting clear expectations and offering regular feedback. It's about turning challenges into learning opportunities and celebrating successes to build team morale.

I know that holding others accountable can be uncomfortable, especially when you are new to a management role. Remember it is important to:?

• Set clear expectations & offer your feedback regularly
• Don’t just focus on the problem, help them come up with a solution
• Celebrate their wins & show appreciation for a job well done

The New Managers Path

Managing people is a journey filled with learning and growth. When you set out on this rewarding yet challenging road of team and people leadership, remember that becoming an effective manager is a continuous process of learning, adapting, and growing. Your new role will be exciting - and sometimes crazy - but at the end of the day each day will offer a new opportunity to inspire, engage, and lead by example.

Every challenge you face is a chance to grow as a leader.?

Every success shows the hard work of your team.