You’re probably familiar with the old saying, “people don’t quit jobs, they quit bosses.” You won’t always have perfect relationships with every employee, but if you are a great manager, you will build a team that respects you, trusts you and pulls together to achieve goals. You might not be a bad manager, but everyone has room to improve.

Here are five ways you can become a better manager in 2020. 

Eliminate Micromanagement Tendencies 

“I love having a micromanager!”  

No employee has ever uttered these words. Micromanagement is a morale killer and ultimately, a productivity killer.  Talented sales and marketing professionals need space to do their jobs the best way they know how. Hovering over a talented employee will eventually push them out the door, so this year, do your best to let go of micromanagement tendencies and give your team room to work.  

Set Clear Expectations  

Employees will never meet your expectations let alone exceed them if they do not know what those expectations are. You may think you communicate expectations clearly, but this year, go out of your way to do so. Make sure all goals and expectations are put in writing, go over those goals and expectations verbally, give each employee a copy after the conversation and check in regularly. And remember, your expectations may change throughout the year, just make sure those changes are clearly communicated and understood by your team.  

Apply The Same Rules For Everyone  

It’s easy to let a typically good employee skate now and then, or to look the other way when someone you like isn’t pulling their weight. However, great managers apply the same rules and standards to everyone across the board. If employees believe you are playing favorites or that you are too hard on someone who doesn’t deserve it, their trust will begin to erode. Apply consistent standards for similar jobs, and always apply the same rules. 

Coach Employees Who Want To Grow  

While career development is ultimately the responsibility of the individual, great managers identify high-potential employees and help them take the next step in their career. During regular one-on-ones, talk to employees about their goals and where they see themselves going with the company. Help individuals identify the steps they need to take to achieve those goals and support them in their efforts to build their careers.  

Make Better Hiring Choices 

Nothing drags down morale quite like a bad hire. It happens to the best of managers, but if you’ve had more than one or two misses in the last year, it might be time to get some expert support. Employees want to know that their leaders make great hiring choices and that new employees will pull their weight on the team.   

Contact Us

At SMR Group, our expert recruiters connect proven sales and marketing professionals to dynamic companies and career opportunities in the biotech, medical device, and pharmaceutical industries. To learn more, contact us today.