Managing successfully is not just about numbers; it is (more importantly) about people. While statistics and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are important metrics, meeting them is made possible by empowering the team. The managers who truly understand this often have six habits that contribute to the success of each individual on their team, the team as a whole, and themselves as the manager.

Successful managers:

1. Encourage flexibility

According to Lisa D’Annolfo Levey and Dr. Meryle Mahrer Kaplan, Directors of Advisory Services at Catalyst, “a flexible work environment can be the difference between employees that feel energized and ready to go to bat for you and those that feel burned out, unsupported, and ready to walk out the door at the first chance they get.”

As a manager, welcome employee’s requests for flexibility – they may just spark ideas for better ways of doing things. While you certainly do not have to approve every request, flexible working arrangements, such as adjusting hours for early risers or allowing employees to work from home before or after travel, for example, may be in both the company’s and the individual’s best interest.

Give it a try. Evaluate what works best for your organization, assess the impact on the team, and monitor results.

2. Lead by example

The Navy SEAL Creed includes “I lead by example in all situations.” If there were a “Manager Creed” it should definitely include that as well. If you expect certain things from your team, show them that they can expect the same (or better!) from you. For example, if you set high sales goals for the month, jump in and close some sales yourself. Coach your team on effective sales strategies. Need more upbeat team members? Try putting your own rose-colored glasses on first!

3. Celebrate successes

Recognizing achievements (and making sure others recognize them, as well) goes a long way in empowering employees. Send a company-wide email when team members go above and beyond, and detail the dedication and sacrifice the employee invested and the result for the company. Encourage others to congratulate him/her on a job well done and follow in the same footsteps. Consider small tokens of appreciation. If you have a budget for awards or gifts, employees may appreciate a splurge, but even if you do not, a small token of appreciation will suffice.

4. Encourage health and well-being

A team that is healthy – physically, emotionally, and spiritually – is one of the goals of a successful manager. Encourage your team members to engage in regular physical activity, spend quality time with friends and family, and feel comfortable with their religious or spiritual traditions and customs. In the workplace, practice what you preach by investing in healthy snacks, furnishing workspaces with ergonomic office furniture, and encouraging plenty of breaks. Consider a team yoga or meditation class. If employees need a day off to take care of their own well-being, remember that it is preferable that they take a day off for wellness rather than a day off for sickness.

5. Invest in team building

Outings that strengthen the social bond between team members are important. Though they may not directly be related to your KPIs as a manager, they will have positive long-term effects on your team’s collaboration, productivity, and results. Do something different – go to a ball game, take a cooking class together, or have a picnic in a park. Get out of your regular work environment and do not talk about work – just enjoy each other’s company.

6. Make themselves available

Whether teammates need to talk about work challenges, personal goals, or issues with others on the team, be available to them. Listen actively, offer support, and make a plan together to resolve the problem. Thank them for coming to you, and follow up with them regularly until the issue is resolved.

Successful managers build successful teams

I have always thought that there are two kinds of managers in this world: one who acts as the top of the team and relies on them for support; and one who serves as the foundation of the team and lifts them up. These six habits are those of the latter: the manager who builds the team, fosters their growth, and achieves great results – together.

About the author

Karen Burke is the founder and president of Kare Products, specializing in active ergonomic solutions. She has 30 years of experience in ergonomic product design and consulting.

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