What is a Good Modern-Day Manager?

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In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, understanding the qualities that define an effective manager is more crucial than ever. Inspired by the words of visionary leader Steve Jobs, who believed that good managers should not be managed, this article delves into the essence of what it means to be a successful manager in our agile-driven world. Join us as we explore the key attributes, responsibilities, and mindset required to lead teams, empower individuals, and drive exceptional outcomes.

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What is a Good Modern-Day Manager?

Steve Jobs once said, "Good managers do not need to be, in fact, should not be managed!"

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So, the question begs: What is a good manager?

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Recently, both of my adult kids have reached the point in their careers where they will become managers. In my day, this would have been a celebration of my successful career! However, both of them had the opposite reaction. They did not look with excitement but with dread. They did not want to be called managers and did not think they wanted to manage anything!

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Before answering what makes a good manager, we need to understand the role of a manager in today's modern, agile-driven world.

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In business, a manager is typically defined as an individual responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of a group of employees or a department within an organization. Managers are appointed to supervisory roles to ensure the efficient operation of the business, achieve organizational goals, and maximize productivity and performance.

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While this definition clarifies the role, it doesn't provide a complete answer. Let's delve deeper into what a manager needs to be able to do:

1. Primarily, a manager manages outcomes. This may require managing a team directly reporting to you, but more frequently, it will involve leading a multidisciplinary team with clients and members from different departments or partnering companies.
2. Secondly, managers should not be the "doers." They need to have knowledge of the project, team, or activity they are managing, but their role is to use that knowledge and expertise to bring the team together to achieve specific outcomes.
3. Managers must act as leaders, providing guidance, direction, and motivation to team members. They inspire and influence employees to achieve their best performance, foster teamwork, resolve conflicts, and promote a positive work culture.
4. Managers can no longer set lower expectations and overdeliver, as a smart young executive might do. Instead, they need to use their expertise not only to identify barriers and faults but also to encourage the team to resolve those barriers and fix faults.
5. Managers now have a seat at the table and are involved in setting goals, defining strategies, and developing plans to achieve desired outcomes. They analyze information, make decisions, and allocate resources effectively.
6. Managers are expected to establish the structure and design of the team or department. This involves assigning tasks, delegating responsibilities, and creating cadence and processes for a smooth workflow.
7. Managers need to make informed decisions based on analysis, judgment, and an understanding of the organization's goals and resources. They handle challenges, solve problems, and adapt to changing business environments.
8. Effective communication is crucial for managers. They facilitate communication within the organization by relaying information, providing feedback, listening to employee concerns, and ensuring clarity and understanding among team members.

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By following this simple framework, managers can successfully execute most roles they encounter in business. But let's return to the original question: What makes a good manager?

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Let's refer back to Steve Jobs to further understand why good managers should not be managed:

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"It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do."

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This quote reflects Steve Jobs' belief in hiring talented individuals who can contribute their expertise and ideas to the organization, rather than micro-managing them. He emphasized the importance of empowering employees and fostering an environment where they can thrive and make significant contributions.

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To outline what constitutes a good manager:

1. As a manager, you will monitor and evaluate the performance of your team or department. You will set performance standards, measure progress, identify areas for improvement, and take corrective actions when necessary. It can be challenging when your team underperforms, but making timely and difficult decisions that impact individuals directly is crucial for maintaining overall performance as a manager.
2. You will also be involved in the recruitment, selection, and training of employees. Assessing staffing needs, conducting interviews, making hiring decisions, and providing training and development opportunities to enhance employee skills are critical responsibilities. One secret to success in this role is being open to recruiting individuals who are smarter than you, as it can greatly benefit the team and organization.
3. A significant transition for new managers is adopting a growth mindset in their managerial role. While you may have previously been an expert in key business operations, your focus now shifts to empowering the right people to resolve issues and achieve team outcomes. Your role is to identify problems, but more importantly, enable the team to work together to find solutions.
4. As a leader, you should not assume that you should always be the first to speak or chair every meeting. On the contrary, your role is to encourage the team to voice their concerns and propose solutions. By listening and understanding their perspectives, you can analyze the situation and provide valuable guidance.
5. At the core of being a good manager is the ability to empower individuals within the team. This means respecting their judgment and allowing them to make decisions. When something goes wrong and management demands answers, as a manager, you should take responsibility and protect the team because you have empowered them to make those decisions. This can be one of the most challenging hurdles for many good managers.
6. Lastly, a key skill that managers need to develop throughout their careers is the ability to adapt their personal style to align with the different individuals they encounter and manage. Teams consist of various personalities, including easy-going and agreeable individuals, outspoken individuals who always need to express themselves, analytical number-crunchers, and detail-oriented people. Your ability to identify their styles, adjust your approach, and achieve consensus will enable teams to accomplish meaningful outcomes.

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In conclusion, a good modern-day manager is someone who understands the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of their role. They are not merely task managers but leaders who empower their teams, foster collaboration, and create an environment where talented individuals can thrive. By focusing on outcomes, providing guidance, making informed decisions, and adapting their style, good managers can inspire their teams to achieve exceptional results. Embracing the philosophy that hiring smart people allows them to contribute their expertise and ideas is crucial in building a successful and high-performing team.

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And I had success - both kids are now energised and now looking forward to the opportunities these roles will provide them for their next steps in their journeys.

#leadership #Manager #PoV #Consulting #career

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