I was preparing to talk to a group of managers today, and I started wondering what makes a good manager. I'm not talking about the CEO of a company or an inspirational leader...just a good mid-level manager (although that's not to say managers can't be effective leaders, but there is a difference).
Here are some questions I jotted down to help these managers assess their own management situation. Do you think these are good self-assessment questions? Are there others you think I should ask? As always, I sure appreciate your feedback!
1. Do you have good listening skills? In other words, do you do more listening (and listen FIRST), or do you do more talking (and usually talk FIRST)?
2. If I asked your people what was expected of them, would they be able to tell me...and would they all be on the same page? Are you setting clear expectations?
3. What do you do (if anything) to recognize great achievements...or great achievers?
4. Do you talk to other managers regularly (about work-related stuff as well as casual conversations), to see how others are dealing with challenges and implementing solutions?
5. Do you treat EVERYONE (literally) with courtesy and respect? Do you treat everyone consistently (i.e., avoiding favoritism)?
6. Are you an expert in the technicalities your people need to know? Can they lean on you for education, guidance and help?
7. Can any (or all) of your people replace you? If the answer is NO, then you're not empowering them. If the answer is YES, then you're an amazing, self-secure manager. If the answer is "why would I do that...I'll be out of a job", then you're sabotaging yourself, your people and your company.
8. Do you meet with your people regularly and in a MEANINGFUL way? Or do you have meetings because they're required, but you'd just as soon be playing solitaire.
9. Do you treat your people and your job as if you were the owner of the company?
10. Have you EARNED (deserved) the respect of your people? Or do you try to be "friendly" by giving in or avoiding conflict?
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