70% of an employee's experience is directly related to their immediate manager, making good management skills crucial for employee retention and turnover. In this article, we will discuss the seven key skills that make a good manager and provide strategies for developing and refining these skills.

1. Relationship Building

Good managers excel in creating bonds of trust with the people they work with and understand the importance of maintaining strong relationships. To develop this skill, managers should focus on active listening, empathy, and effective communication. Building trust requires consistency, reliability, and being transparent with team members.

2. Developing People

A good manager recognizes the potential in their team members and knows how to co-create visions and plans to support their skills development and provide new opportunities for growth. This requires a deep understanding of individual strengths and areas of improvement. Managers can mentor and coach their team members to help them reach their full potential.

3. Responding to Change

Change is inevitable in any organization, and good managers are adept at assessing the situation and remaining curious amidst change. They don't react impulsively, but instead look for options and opportunities, rather than viewing everything as a problem to solve. They encourage their team to embrace change and adapt to new challenges.

4. Motivating and Inspiring Others

Effective managers take the time to understand their team members' motivation drivers and tailor their communication style to resonate with them. They inspire and motivate their team by setting clear goals, recognizing achievements, and providing support whenever needed. A good manager understands the importance of keeping their team engaged and motivated to achieve success.

5. Critical Thinking

Good managers go beyond surface-level thinking and engage in critical thinking to assess situations from different angles. They challenge assumptions, seek more information, and question existing processes or outdated thinking. By doing so, they can identify areas that need improvement and guide their team towards a better future.

6. Clear Communication

Clear communication is vital for effective management. Good managers leverage curiosity, clarification, and verification to ensure everyone is on the same page. They ask open-ended or clarifying questions to avoid ambiguity and push back on assumptions. Additionally, they ensure that all necessary parties are included in relevant discussions to foster collaboration and alignment.

7. Creating Accountability

Good managers hold themselves accountable and model that behavior to their team members. Instead of micromanaging, they create shared agreements based on the expectations of each employee's role. This approach fosters a high-trust and high-respect dynamic within the team. Managers should empower their team to take responsibility for their work and provide support when needed.

Now that we have discussed the key skills of a good manager, let's explore strategies for developing and refining these skills.

1. Read Leadership Books: Start by reading books on leadership, management, and personal development. These books provide insights and practical advice to enhance your management skills. (Also be sure to apply critical thinking when determining which skills and opinions you’d like to absorb as your own)

2. Surround Yourself with Empowering Leaders:Surround yourself with individuals who embody the energy and presence you admire in a leader. Observe their behaviors and learn from their experiences. If you don't have such individuals in your current circle, consider working with a coach, joining a leadership development group, or finding a mentor or advisor.

3. Seek Direct and Constructive Feedback: To identify your gaps and blind spots as a manager, it's crucial to be in an environment that provides direct and constructive feedback. Regularly seek feedback from your team members, peers, and superiors. Actively listen to their suggestions and implement necessary adjustments.

4. Continually Learn and Grow: Embrace a growth mindset and be open to learning new management strategies and techniques. Attend seminars, workshops, or conferences related to leadership and management. Engage in ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.

5. Mentor and Coach Your Team: As a manager, invest time in mentoring and coaching your team members. Help them identify their goals, provide guidance, and offer opportunities for growth. Encourage them to develop their own leadership skills by delegating responsibilities and empowering them to make decisions.

Being a good manager requires a diverse set of skills. By focusing on relationship building, developing people, responding to change, motivating and inspiring others, critical thinking, clear communication, and creating accountability, managers can effectively lead their teams and drive organizational success. Furthermore, by continuously developing and refining these skills through reading, seeking feedback, surrounding oneself with empowering leaders, and embracing ongoing learning, managers can excel in their roles and create a positive work environment.