Become a Better Manager

If your employees were given the opportunity to fire you, how soon would you be out the door? Bad bosses aren't good for anyone's health. Remember that and you're likely to become a better manager; deny its wisdom and you're likely to fail.

Today's managers must be self-aware, observant, and understanding. Here are some tactics to become a better manager:

1. Praise Your Star Workers

Just because they're doing a superior job doesn't mean you should ignore your best employees. Everyone needs recognition, some more than others. But if you pay attention solely to your problem employees, you could unwittingly build up resentment among those who are fulfilling, and often exceeding, your expectations.

2. Share the Knowledge

One of the best ways to get people on your side (and help them do their jobs effectively) is to let them in on what shouldn't be a big secret: company goals, ways to improve, and other strategies intended to help everyone succeed. By keeping employees informed they'll be more vested in the company's success. Communicating with them about what's going on will also indicate that you value their contributions and suggestions.

3. Schedule Meetings Only When Necessary

Before you schedule recurring meetings, make sure they're absolutely necessary. These get-togethers offer an excellent opportunity to touch base and share concerns or ideas, but if they drone on endless, they become a waste of everyone's time. And if you're always sequestered in management meetings, your staff may begin to wonder if you ever really work, which can lower morale.

4. Engender Trust

If you want to win people's trust, then you must show trust in them. Give your staff additional responsibilities as your confidence in them grows, and be sure to refrain from micromanaging them. Check out The Dangers of Being a Micromanager for an informative overview of how this management style can be harmful to both employees and managers.