how can I tell if I’m a good manager? by Alison Green on October 2, 2024 A reader writes: I’ve recently started managing a team of several employees. While I love the work, I’m not oblivious to the fact I’m still very new at managing people and have lots of room to develop. I once heard a speaker say that bad bosses are typically clueless about how they are perceived by their teams. Since employees don’t provide feedback in the same way a boss does, how can you actually tell how you are doing as a manager? I answer this question over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. You may also like:advice for new managersis it a bad idea to work for a first-time manager?my terrible intern is a VIP's son and can't be fired { 8 comments }
Katie Porter's Whiteboard* October 2, 2024 at 12:42 pm The best supervisor I ever had, and the kind of supervisor I try to be, would seek out feedback from their reports. And when they received feedback, they wouldn’t get upset but would instead discuss it with us and sometimes make changes to their processes. It was always easier to talk about a problem when they brought the issue up than it was to have unsolicited criticism. Reply ↓
pally* October 2, 2024 at 1:17 pm A hiring manager told me she was the most liked manager in the company. Her evidence: (1) in the almost four years she’s worked at this company, no one who reports to her has quit. (2) people in other departments have mentioned to her that they wish they worked for her. As such, she felt inclined to be very choosy about whom she would hire. That hire would be very lucky to work for her, she explained. Oh gracious! I couldn’t get out of that interview fast enough. Thank you OP, for having the insight to strive to be a good manager. Reply ↓
Cranky Old Bat* October 2, 2024 at 3:13 pm Just when I thought I couldn’t be surprised. I would never work for someone who said I would be lucky to do so. Reply ↓
Foreign Octopus* October 2, 2024 at 2:03 pm The very fact OP is asking the question is a good sign, in my opinion. Reply ↓
restingbutchface* October 2, 2024 at 2:14 pm I was just about to write this comment! Funnily enough, every manager who has boasted to me about their amazing managerial skills has turned out to be a nightmare. Like those people who have to tell you they’re an empath. No, you aren’t. Reply ↓
It's Marie - Not Maria* October 2, 2024 at 3:04 pm No is born to be a good manager, but many people already have traits which will set them up for success. – Listen to your Team, and listen to understand. Find out what is important to them, and how you can help them meet their personal goals. – Clearly outline expectations, and regularly touch base to make sure they understand the expectation. Ask questions of them if something doesn’t seem clear to them. – Manage poor performers/problem children up, or manage them out. Nothing drags down Team Morale more than a Manager who appears to tolerate sub-standard performance or bad behavior. – Be sure you are modeling the behaviors you want to see from your Team. Nothing is worse than a “Do as I say, not as I do” Manager. The fact the OP is asking the question shows they have a true desire to be a good Manager, and that is the first step in becoming one! Reply ↓
SansaStark* October 2, 2024 at 3:24 pm This post is very timely for me. I’ve had a difficult few months and am second-guessing a lot of my decisions. These questions have left me more confident that I’m doing most things right and some tough decisions aren’t necessarily the symptom of a bigger problem with my approach to management. Reply ↓