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1. Communicate
Internal communication is the grease that keeps everything in a company working smoothly.
Workers need to know what is going on, what the company expects to achieve, and most
importantly the values that drive the business.
We've all worked for managers who seldom talk to workers and know first-hand what a
recipe for disaster that can be. Everyone ends up walking around in a fog, doing what they
think they should but never really knowing for sure. It's a black hole for morale having no
clear communication. Talk to your workers regularly and keep them informed and motivated.
2. Clearly state objectives
This falls under the communicate heading but is important enough to deserve separate
attention. Most employees want to do a good job and meet all expectations but that requires
they know exactly what those are.
Regularly talk to each employee and define in clear terms the 4 or 5 things you expect each to
accomplish over the next few months. Make the objectives reasonable but don't be reluctant
to assign a goal or two that requires good effort. Good workers want to push themselves so
give them a clear reason to do so. Mediocrity doesn't appeal to either management or
employees so don't settle for it.
3. Be visible
Ever work for the manager you never see? It's hard to visualize a firm hand guiding things
when your boss stays in his corner office all the time. Good managers make an effort to show
the staff he/she is always around and on top of the operation.
The best way to stay visible is to frequently walk around the office, visiting each employee
for a few minutes at least. Talk to the workers to see what they are working on, and give
advice to make it go smoothly. They will appreciate it a great deal, and realize that you care
not only about getting the job done but about them as an individual.
4. Public praise/ private critique
The best managers know how valuable it is when an employee goes the extra mile for the
firm. They also realize that good work deserves acknowledgement outside the official
appraisal process. Don't hesitate to give an attagirl/ attaboy to a worker at such times, and in
front of his/her co-workers. They put in extra effort and deserve praise. Once they get it they
not only will be anxious to do it again, so will the others who see deserved kudos being
passed out.
On the flip side, it is inevitable that at times it will be necessary to tell a worker things need
to improve. Always do that in private, never in front of others. Such admonition should be a
motivator which is never the case when the employee is embarrassed in front of colleagues.
5. Encourage teamwork
The best departments/companies work together like the team they are. The first step in
building teamwork is to do fun things as a group. This can be as simple as regularly throwing
a group lunch, catered by a local restaurant.
Spending an hour together as a team, having a nice lunch together can go a long way to
fomenting the team atmosphere. It's also a good time for the manager to hang out with the
entire team, practicing these 6 steps in public.
6. Understand the workers' technical needs

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The workplace of today is more involved in technology than ever before, and employees use
an assortment of tools to get the job done. The best managers understand the technology well
enough to evaluate if the staff has what they need to meet objectives.
If they don't, go to bat for them to get things changed. If BYOD makes sense, fight for it. If
not, find other ways to provide the technology that will make the most difference for the least
cost. Workers will notice this and understand you care about them and are getting them the
best tools.
7. Do Your Job
First and foremost do your own job. Managing people isn‟t an excuse to let them do the work
whilst you look on. Of course, sometimes your job may involve being more strategic but your
staff will respect you for doing what needs to be done and being willing to pitch in like
everyone else at times. Many of us have had managers who use their role as an excuse to do
less or attend more meetings. Get the balance right and earn respect from your staff.
8. Acknowledge The Positive
See the positives in your staff and their work. Don‟t be one of those bosses who only sees
what‟s missing rather than what‟s been achieved. It is demoralizing for staff to have someone
only see what they have done „wrong‟. Positivity breeds positivity. Genuine and meaningful
praise goes a long way. If this is difficult for you, get in the habit of noting down positive
things you notice about how your staffs work. Give feedback regularly and let them know
that you see the good work they do.
9. Don’t Be Afraid to Manage
Things don‟t always go smoothly in any workplace. You are a manager, so you must be
willing to manage. Some people find it hard to set boundaries or give feedback but it is
important to get over that hurdle. If you need some help with this don‟t be afraid to ask your
own boss for help or request training. It doesn‟t come naturally to everyone. You can make a
work situation worse by not being clear with staff if you are hesitant about managing. People
appreciate genuine leadership. Practice managing and making the tough decisions. These
things get easier with practice but people will appreciate knowing where you stand and any
changes they need to make.
10. Be Vulnerable
If you make a mistake, be big about it and apologize. It can be scary and seem like you are
making yourself vulnerable, but your staff will appreciate your honesty. No one expects a
manager to be super human. Everyone likes someone who takes responsibility for your
actions. Being honest will help you create a culture of honesty.
11. Be Real With People
The way we work is changing. You don‟t have to be superhuman or untouchable. Be the real
human being that you are. Let people at work know about your life and find out about others.

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If you let people know the “real you” it is much easier than having different personalities for
your work and home life.
12. Lead By Example
If you want your staff to behave in a certain way (professional, good team players), then lead
by example. It is not fair to expect your staff to do something if you are not doing it yourself.
13. Be Self Aware
Be aware of your moods and how you communicate. You may not realise how much of an
impact you have on your team as a manager. You may know you are in a bad mood about the
dog chewing your shoes this morning but staff may feel that they have done something wrong
if they don‟t know this! Be aware of how and what you communicate. Your team will pick up
on it.
14. Have Fun
Having fun at work can help make the work easier for everyone, forge positive relationships
and strengthen your team. There is usually room for more fun in any work environment, but
if the nature of your work makes that difficult, be sure to schedule fun activities when you
can. Meeting for lunch or drinks after work can help build relationships and help your team to
see you and each other in a new light. If you create a positive work atmosphere it also
becomes easier to deal with challenges as they arise.
15. Trust Yourself
At the end of the day, there is no one right way to be a manager. Trust yourself and learn
through your mistakes. Managing others is a great way to develop and enhance your
leadership skills and create a positive work experience for yourself and others.