Small Steps to Become an Effective Manager

Everyone has, at one time, struggled with a supervisor or manager, whether it be: communication

issues, micromanaging, or even inappropriate comments. We can, however, learn extensively from 

these soul-crushing experiences, so here are a few tips to help you become an effective manager:

• Don't ask personal or inappropriate questions

This is a given, but don't overreach. Asking questions that delve too deep into someone's life can lead to moral issues as well as lawsuits or distrust/unorthodox feelings from employees. Asking questions about someone's sex life for example is highly inappropriate. Making a comment that degrades (whether intentional or unintentional) someone based on their gender, sexual orientation, or other personal beliefs or ways of being, is against the law and is grounds for termination. Keep it professional.

• Listen

This is the most overlooked attribute of a great manager. Nothing is more effective than a manager that actively listens and comprehends what an employee is trying to express. This is a two way street that is effective for any person in any situation. Listening to others not only shows them the respect they desire, but it also puts you on level field with employees without overpowering them. This proves you can handle any situation and are in charge more than interrupting and yelling.

• Mistakes happen, use them as learning experiences

Nothing made me dislike a manager more than getting yelled at for for not knowing something. There is never a reason to yell at someone. Each mistake can be used as a learning experience, by simply showing exactly what you want and what could be improved. I would rather learn something than be degraded. Never make someone feel horrible for making a mistake because we are all flawed creatures. If the mistake persists, then further action may need to be taken.

• Documentation, Documentation, Documentation

This will always be for you and your company's benefit. Document everything and anything. There is never a thing as too much documentation.

• Communication is KEY

Keep it concise and precise. Always answer the question, but don't divulge more information than necessary as this can lead to information overload and cause an employee to shut down.Always speak to employees with respect and dignity. I can't even count how many times an employer has talked down to me or treated me like a child just because I appear young. Assume people can do something, unless they state otherwise.

• Always have a protocol that EVERYONE follows

Protocols are in place to ensure a business can run smoothly, and prevent unnecessary confusion. I can't tell you how many times I have worked somewhere without a protocol that everyone has to follow (even superiors) and watched as the business began to fall apart, starting with the people not following the protocol. If a question is obvious, put it in the protocol. If you want to ensure every has the same email sign off, put it in the protocol. You get the idea.

While these steps are far from revolutionary, we can all benefit from reminding ourselves to be the 

manager we always wanted to have. These tips can hopefully help you to create a solid base to begin.

Good luck and do your best!

-Amber