Habits of the Successful Manager

You started a company, and you’ve been running a one-person show. Success hasn’t been easy, and the company is finally ready to grow. Before you start hiring, there are some things you need to know to be a successful manager. Here are some tips to ensure a ship well ran.

Be Selective

If you ever feel the need to say, ‘my employee is lazy,’ bite your tongue. You do the hiring, and the employees you choose are a direct reflection of your judgment. Take your time when hiring and be selective. To build the perfect team in a night is unrealistic. When hiring quickly to fill a spot you create a cycle of high turnover or an unqualified team. Both waste time and resources.

Manage Priorities

Before bed grab a notebook and write down everything that is a priority for the next day. While at work keep the list front and center to stay on task. As a manager, everyone is trying to get your attention. On average it takes about 10 minutes to get refocused every time you are interrupted. It is beneficial to schedule a portion of the day for employees needs and questions rather than keep an open door. Otherwise, the day would be spent answering questions and trying to regain focus on your priorities. How would anyone be able to get any work done?

Create a Positive Company Culture

Employees are your most valuable asset, more important than your clients. Happy employees are more productive and loyal. When an employee quits, it can cost 200% of their salary to hire and train a replacement. This unneeded expense is just one of the reasons why it is essential to create an environment employees love.

Empower Employees

No one likes to be micromanaged. That’s right, no one. There is nothing worse than a manager who wants to do it all. Part of growing means giving away control necessary to be selective in the hiring process. By hiring competent people you can rest easy knowing they can handle what you throw their way.

Do as you Say

You set the example. If you say you are going to do something, do it. When your word holds no value employees will lose either lose respect or do as you do. Either way this company culture is toxic.

If you are new to management keep these principles in mind to avoid unnecessary problems. If you are already a manager and struggling to keep your ship afloat, evaluate your situation. As a manager, you have the power to create an environment full of success. By incorporating these tips into your manager style and watch the tides change.