Excellent managers come in all shapes and sizes. They can be loud and quiet, extroverted or introverted, Type A or calm. Their management style can be as unique as personalities. But while elements of personal style may vary, there are absolutes one can point to about management substance. Accordingly, here are 5 things the best managers do – and don’t do.
On the positive side, the best managers:
Keep the big picture in mind – They have a sound strategic mindset. They know their company’s business well, and ensure that the activities of their unit or department or division are always firmly aligned with broader initiatives and strategies.
Are consistent in their behavior – People like and need predictability. I never minded working for someone who was tough, so long as he or she was predictably tough. Thus, you knew what to expect and count on in terms of behavior and expectations. Problems arise for employees when a manager is erratic – for example, lenient and upbeat one day, and controlling and dour the next.
Read the entire article at Forbes.com.
