5 Key Things Managers Should Avoid

According to a report, only 10% of managers have what it takes to be a great manager. If you’re a manager wanting to be in the top 10% club, avoid micromanaging, poor recruitment, being indecisive, being stuck in your ways and being judgemental.

Great managers are hard to come by. A recent report from Gallup explains that great managers possess a rare combination of five talents. They motivate their employees, assert themselves to overcome obstacles, create a culture of accountability, build trusting relationships, and make informed, unbiased decisions for the good of their team and company. 

According to the report, only 10% of managers have what it takes to be a great manager. If you’re a manager wanting to be in the top 10% club, don’t do these things…

1. Micromanage

Controlling and monitoring everything in a team, situation or place usually results in a manager losing track of the bigger picture and annoying the team by being over-controlling. Despite this, lots of business leaders use it as a way of ensuring that tasks are performed in specific ways without the realisation that this can limit businesses and prevent employees from contributing in ways that managers can’t. 

Micromanaging can also be extremely damaging to trust and can make employees lose the desire to do anything. 

Employees should be employed to make their own decisions and contributions to your company. Hire people for their abilities to contribute and not simply act as a robot. Leaders should want ideas and empower their teams to create positive and productive workspaces.

2. Poor Recruitment

Bad recruitment can destroy any business, after all a business is nothing without its people. Establish what qualities and skills are more important to your business and hire people based on your weaknesses.

Hiring people is one of the most important decisions a manager can make and it can be detrimental to any business if it’s done wrong. If you’re not sure where to start, consult an executive search firm that can guide you in the right direction. Invest in getting your hiring right.

3. Being Indecisive

Leading with decisiveness strengthens your business and increases people's trust in you. It is better to trust your instincts and make decisions rather than sit on the fence. That’s not to say leaders should make rash decisions. Making informed decisions helps people make more decisive ones so leaders should arm themselves with information and data. 

4. Being Stuck In Your Ways

Leaders who refuse to change, evolve and adapt ultimately fail. In a world of fast and dramatic change, leaders need to be open to changing direction quickly. Having an open mind is a great way of presenting a company in a positive light, both internally and externally.

Keep your brand fresh and relevant by being open to new ideas – not only does it help your business, but it also helps your culture, encouraging people to put forward their thoughts and ideas.

5. Being Judgemental

Making quick and limiting judgements can hinder your business and drive away great people, including potential candidates. 

Be open to everything by understanding and listening, once you understand a person or a business you can then make a decision. As we’ve mentioned before, informed decisions are the only ones you should be making.