The Day You Became A Better Manager

I went from being a novice manager to a good manager after taking up the manager role without specific knowledge, training or coaching. Stay here to know the main tricks so you don’t have to waste time and fail to become a better manager.

For me, it started in 1995 when I got a job as a manager leading a team of developers responsible for developing and making a failed ERP software workable.

I can say that successful managers require to gain specific knowledge through focused study and practical hands-on experience. They need to apply their knowledge in a more targeted and effective way to achieve greater success and fulfilment in their work and personal lives.

“Managers organize, plan, and coordinate the activities of an organization to achieve specific goals through effectively leading and motivating teams, making informed decisions, adapting to change and working effectively with others.”

It sums up everything a manager does, which makes a better manager.

Let me now explain to you the areas in which you need to develop specific knowledge in order to become a better manager.

I have included tips for all sorts of managerial roles here. You can skip to your specific domain or read the entire stuff to understand what it takes to become a better manager across different functions.

MANAGING YOUR CAREER

Your career path is an important part of your journey — your job must fulfil your career goals and financial ambitions. If you aren’t happy yourself, you will end up messy.

1. Have clear short-term and long-term goals and make informed decisions about your career path. Make sure your goals are SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound).
2. Consider taking up additional responsibilities, participating in professional development opportunities, and pursuing education to enhance your skills and knowledge.
3. As a manager, you will need to be resourceful. Building relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals will help you learn about new opportunities and stay informed about industry trends.
4. Keep track of industry trends and developments to stay current and relevant in your field.
5. Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges or pursue new opportunities that align with your career goals and move you upwards.
6. Being a manager is stressful, so take care of your physical and mental well-being.

MANAGING YOUR JOB

As a manager, you shoulder a number of responsibilities for managing your own job and your team. You can be better at it by knowing well how to manage a team, make decisions, set goals, allocate resources and communicate effectively.

1. Set clear goals and expectations for yourself and your team, and communicate these expectations clearly.
2. Communicate effectively to build strong relationships with team members and ensure everyone works towards the same goals.
3. Foster a positive, supportive work environment that encourages collaboration and helps team members feel valued and motivated.
4. Encourage team members to continuously learn and grow, and provide opportunities for professional development.
5. Lead by example, showing your team what it means to be a dedicated, hardworking, and ethical person.
6. Be open to new ideas and approaches, and adapt to industry or organizational changes.
7. Use data and insights for better decision-making rather than relying solely on gut instincts or personal preferences.
8. Give and take feedback from team members and use it to identify areas for improvement and develop a growth plan.

MANAGING OPERATIONS

A better manager achieves operational excellence through continuous improvement and the systematic optimization of processes, systems, and technologies within an organization to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

1. Develop a clear long-term and short-term business plan and set specific goals for yourself and your team to work towards achieving it.
2. Establish clear roles and responsibilities for team members, and create systems and processes to remove hurdles and bottlenecks.
3. Motivate and inspire your team to work towards the company’s vision and goals.
4. Review and monitor your team’s progress and ensure that they are meeting the company’s performance standards.
5. Hire and train employees for results ensuring that your team has the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver results.
6. Develop and manage a budget to ensure that you and your team have sufficient resources to meet its goals.
7. Make informed and timely decisions that align with the company’s goals and objectives.

MANAGING FINANCE

As an effective manager, you need to plan, organize, and control the vital financial resources for financial management within your team or organization through a strategic and analytical approach to planning and controlling financial resources to achieve the organization’s goals.

1. Create a budget that aligns with company goals and outlines its financial resources and allocation. Review and update the budget regularly to ensure it accurately reflects the updated status.
2. Track the company’s financial performance to find financial issues or opportunities for improvement.
3. Use data and analysis to inform financial decisions rather than relying on gut instincts or personal preferences.
4. Ensure the company has sufficient cash to meet its financial obligations and invest in growth opportunities.
5. Review and assess the company’s expenses regularly, and identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary costs or increase efficiency.
6. Assess the company’s financial risks and put strategies in place to mitigate or manage these risks.
7. Keep the management team and stakeholders informed about the company’s financial performance and any relevant financial decisions.

MANAGING PEOPLE

Effective managers excel in people management with the help of a proactive and supportive approach to leading and managing their teams.

1. Communicate the goals and expectations for each team member clearly and consistently, and provide feedback and support to help them succeed.
2. Create a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration and mutual respect.
3. Good communication is crucial for building strong relationships with team members and ensuring that everyone is working towards the same goals.
4. Encourage team members to learn and grow, and provide opportunities for professional development.
5. Give team members the authority and responsibility they need to take ownership of their work and make decisions.
6. Encourage team members to collaborate, share ideas, and create an environment that supports collaboration.
7. Deal with conflicts and problems as they arise, and work with team members to find resolutions that are fair and beneficial for all parties involved.

MANAGING INFORMATION

As a manager, you may be responsible for information management within your team or organization. Information management requires a proactive and organized approach to acquiring, organizing, and managing data and information to support the organization’s goals.

1. Develop systems and processes for organizing, storing, and sharing information within your team and across the organization.
2. Ensure that sensitive information is protected and only shared with those who need access to it.
3. Make sure you and your team stay informed about industry trends and developments, as well as any relevant internal updates or changes within the organization.
4. Good communication is essential for sharing information and ensuring that everyone has the information they need to do their jobs effectively.
5. Utilize technology and tools, such as project management software, to help you and your team manage information and stay organized.
6. Encourage team members to share information and ideas and create an open and collaborative environment that promotes the sharing of knowledge.