What Makes a Good Manager

While some still debate over the difference between a Leader and Manager I will add that in my view a Manager is a Leader if he or she directs people in the execution of functions related to the business and whom is directly involved in the policy and decision making of that business. I recommend a DisC assessment to better understand your personality and how to leverage your natural traits in your business relationships. It also helps you to understand your people and their traits.

1. Have a Vision for your group and communicate it well.
2. Have a Strategy for everything you do, communicate that well.
3. Have at least monthly meetings to discuss where the group was, is and where you want it to be.
4. YOU take the blame for mishaps of your subordinates with respect to bad decisions, lack of follow through or misunderstood direction (barring drinking on the job, sexual harassment or other personality/personal decisions out of your control). You can reprimand and correct later but ultimately you are the captain of the ship. Other Admirals were most likely captain once and can appreciate that stance more than accept you blaming a subordinate outright. Cowardly move to do otherwise.
5. Learn from all of your mistakes, personal and professional.
6. Understand your audience’s capabilities and motivations.
7. Understand your employees strengths and weaknesses.
8. Understand the business and the rules that drive the business you are in.
9. Be approachable and encourage personal interaction.
10. Have a vision for your department and can convey that vision both up and down the chain.
11. Become very involved in the issues but give the necessary room for others to make decisions (empowerment) while enforcing accountability, not ruling by intimidation.
12. Don’t fear not being the smartest guy in the room but at the same time know when to and when not to be.
13. Be competent in what you do.
14. Be ethical, honest, empathetic and have clarity in all communication.
15. Develop an authentic uniqueness of character and an infectious inspiring air.
16. Do not be a risk averse person, take calculated risks in order to be innovative.
17. Help your employees find plausable solutions. Lead them to find the solution, don't tell them how to do it.
18. Listen First, Speak Last.