As your business expands, you'll find that certain tasks become too large for you to handle on your own. You may have a hard time making sure each of your staff members meet their quota. Or you might struggle to give everyone ample training for their specific positions.
Consequently, you need a good manager to help you fill in the gaps and promote a smooth work flow. But what qualities and factors should you consider before you hire a new manager or promote a member of your team?
Communication
As you know, communication should always be first and foremost on your list of important skills to have. Without communication within your departments, you'll end up with missing assignments and expensive delays. And without communication, your employees will start to feel confused about their jobs and even resentful toward upper management.
As you look for a good manager, consider someone who has excellent communication skills. Your manager will need to delegate tasks efficiently, as well as give constructive criticism without giving offense.
Organization
Since you can't always watch every transaction and action that goes on in your workplace, you'll need someone who can keep you in the loop. A good manager knows each and every member of his or her team and can report improvements on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis.
Furthermore, your manager will need to stay organized in order to schedule meetings, presentations, and one-on-one training sessions with your team. And depending on your company, he or she may also need to balance each team member's work shifts to reach high productivity goals.
Team Spirit
Employees may often feel depressed or unsatisfied with their jobs when they have to follow through with the same tasks day in and day out. And when your staff feels down, your entire company's productivity suffers.
A good manager spreads enthusiasm and energy to his or her team. He or she will approach job responsibilities in a positive way that helps lift and build other members. As needed, a manager will also listen to individual employee concerns and address any problems within the work environment to ensure everyone feels valued and appreciated.
Leadership
Although enthusiasm, positivity, and energy go a long way, a good manager will also need to inspire your staff through good leadership. He or she will need to build relationships based on mutual respect. And he or she will need strong problem-solving skills to boost productivity and profits.
Many top-talent employees often develop leadership through Master's degree courses, like the
online Master of Science in Leadership program offered at places like Norwich. As you skim through resumes of potential managers, look out for college degrees that include leadership values to ensure a good fit.
These are but a few qualities your new manager will need to have. Additional skills could include an intimate knowledge of the domain, ability to coach and train others, and flexibility. As a result, you'll need to use your best judgment when sifting through new hires.
