In today’s rapidly changing business environment, the demands placed on managers have moved beyond their traditional responsibilities. Managers are no longer mere task supervisors; they ARE EXPECTED TO PERFORM FUNCTIONS TRADITIONALLY RESERVED FOR LEADERSHIP POSITIONS. THIS CHANGE IS DRIVEN BY THE REALIZATION THAT MANAGERS PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN INFLUENCING TEAM ENGAGEMENT. According to Gallup research, managers directly influence up to 70% of their team’s engagement. As a result, organizations must prioritize the development of managers to ensure team success. In this post, I EXPLAIN 7 ESSENTIAL LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES that modern managers must acquire to thrive in their roles. These are:
- BUILD RELATIONSHIPS: Effective managers realize the importance of building strong relationships with their teams. They strive to build partnerships, foster trust and encourage open communication. By actively engaging with team members, managers can facilitate collaboration, share ideas and foster a sense of camaraderie. Building good relationships lays the foundation for a cohesive and productive team.
- DEVELOP PEOPLE: Managers who prioritize the growth and development of their team members foster an environment of continuous improvement. By identifying and leveraging each individual’s strengths, setting clear expectations, and providing positive feedback, managers empower their teams to be more effective in their roles. Effective managers also act as coaches, guiding their employees to success and supporting their professional growth.
- DRIVING CHANGE: We are in a time of great change. Effective managers embrace change rather than resist it. They align their goals with a stated vision and effectively communicate the reasons for change to their team. By setting clear goals and fostering a culture of adaptability, managers can inspire their teams to embrace change and successfully navigate transitions.
- INSPIRE OTHERS: Great managers can inspire and motivate their team members. Through positivity, vision, confidence, and recognition, they create an environment where people feel valued and inspired to do their best. By setting a positive example and exercising goal-oriented leadership, managers can foster a culture of enthusiasm and dynamism in their teams.
- CRITICAL THINKING: The ability to gather and evaluate information critically is crucial to making effective decisions. Managers must be able to analyze complex situations, identify potential risks, and consider diverse perspectives. By honing their critical thinking skills, managers can make informed decisions that drive positive outcomes for their teams and the organization.
- COMMUNICATE CLEARLY: Clear and concise communication is the cornerstone of great leadership. Managers must be adept at sharing information, instructions, and feedback with their team members. Regular and transparent communication helps build trust, avoids misunderstandings, and ensures that everyone is aligned on common goals. Managers who communicate effectively enable their teams to work cohesively and achieve desired results.
- CREATE ACCOUNTABILITY: Accountability is vital to team performance and success. Effective managers are accountable for their actions and decisions, leading by example. They also establish a culture of accountability within their teams, ensuring that each team member takes responsibility for their individual and collective performance. By setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and recognizing achievement, managers create a sense of ownership and drive excellence in their teams.
Here are 7 key competencies to develop your leadership. Because as Henry Kissinger said, “The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been”.
