Life Lessons from A Manager

For 15 years I had the privilege of serving as a manager in the government.  I managed from small groups of 3 people to over 1,000 employees at one point.  I thought I would share with you the top 5 principles I learned from being both a manager and a leader:

1.        There is a difference between a manager and a leader.  A manager manages things and tasks.  A leader leads people.  A leader has to have voluntary followers.  You can make someone a manager, but you can’t make someone a leader.

2.        A true leader truly cares more about their people than they do themselves.  That means you have to set the tone. Self-interest makes a horrible manager and leader. 

3.        As a manager, you have to find out what motivates your individual employees.  We often assume in the business world that money reigns high above all.  And while it is true that your employees need to be paid what they are worth, money is not always the end all be all.  For example, my husband is motivated by having challenging, important work.  I have had employees that would much rather be given an extra two days of PTO time than money.  I have one dog that is motivated by treats, and the other that is motivated by praise.  The point is, find out what motivates each of your individual employees.

4.        A leader is a good listener.  They listen to what their employees have to say.  I can say for a 100% fact that the employees who have boots on the ground, they know things that we will never know as managers, about what makes your company work or not work.  Employees need to be heard, considered as knowledgeable, and respected.  Get to know your employees – as people, not just as a means to an end.  Ask about their kids and grandkids. Mark their birthdays on your calendar. Ask them “what have I missed?”.  There is nothing worse than feeling like you are just a number or a widget in a process.  Take the time to get to know your employees.  Even if that means you have to send them a “Roll Tide” even if you hate their team!

5.        Respect.  Respect is earned.  Not everyone in a leadership position has it.  And it takes time to earn it.   A truly good leader not only earns the respect of their employees, but they give it as well. 

What has made a good manager or leader in your life?