A Technical Manager's Perspective

Characteristics of an Effective Manager

There are many characteristics of an Effective Manager, and just as there are many different types of managers, each with a unique style, there is not one formula, list, or book that you can go to that will definitively define the role of a manager along with the characteristics of being an effective manager. However, that should not stop us from seeking more information on how to become more effective and how to improve our managerial skills, and with that in mind, I have outlined the characteristics that I feel are important to be an effective manager. I have also included a number of links within each characteristic which reference additional material on each topic.I started with the Role of the Manager, and move onto the characteristics that I feel help shape an effective manager

Role of a Manager:

The role of a manager is different from company to company and position to position. In most cases the manager has a group of employees to direct, in pursuit of organizational based goals. As a manager you have multiple priorities and areas of focus, and depending on the position, the requirements and the industry, the one difference is areas of focus. While managers have to deal with all priorities across multiple areas of focus, many managers focus more on strategy and business matters, while others focus more on process and projects and others focus more on their people and team-building.

You see this focus when you read different thoughts, viewpoints and opinions on managing. In my current role, more of my focus has been on the people and team-building aspects as well as the process and project priorities. That does not mean that I do not focus or work on strategy and business issues, it means that team-building, process and project management had been my focus for a while and has been more of a priority than strategy and business issues.

Here are some other interesting viewpoints on the Role of a Manager .....

• http://www.scottberkun.com/essays/50-advice-for-new-managers-part-1/

• http://www.scottberkun.com/essays/52-advice-for-new-managers-pt2/

• http://www.lifehack.org/articles/management/the-role-of-the-manager.html

• http://www.management-resources.org/universal.php?c=11&a=123

• http://www.managementblog.org/archives/2004/11/20/role-of-the-manager/

6 Characteristics of an Effective Manager:

1) Be a Leader and Lead by Example

Actions speak louder than words. Managers may rule, but leaders are followed. You need to demonstrate that you are a leader by your actions, which will help you to build influence.

Here are some other interesting viewpoints on Leadership and Leading by Example .....

• http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/employee-development-leadership/11344-1.html

• http://www.instigatorblog.com/10-essential-business-leadership-skills/2007/04/16/

• http://www.schulersolutions.com/how_to_lead_by_example.html

• http://www.thepracticeofleadership.net/2007/06/13/are-you-demotivating-your-employees/

2) Effective Communications

These days, Effective Communications is a business requirement, and without strong effective communication, management becomes difficult or impossible.

Here are some other viewpoints on Effective Communications ....

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communication_management

• http://jobfunctions.bnet.com/whitepaper.aspx?&docid=95378&promo=100511

• http://jobfunctions.bnet.com/whitepaper.aspx?docid=263731

• http://www.thepracticeofleadership.net/category/communication

3) Provide Feedback

Managers need to provide both positive and negative feedback, focusing on actions and behaviors. Always stick to the facts and observed behaviors when delivering feedback.

Here are some other viewpoints on Providing Feedback ...

• http://www.manager-tools.com/2005/07/giving-effective-feedback/

• http://www.susanfee.com/coaching/tips/GivingFeedbacktoSensitiveEmployees.htm

• http://ezinearticles.com/?Without-Effective-Feedback-Employees-Will-Continue-To-Perform-Poorly&id=382015

4) Be Fair

Managers need to be fair when establishing rules and processes.

Here are some other thoughts on Fairness ...

• http://www.hr.umich.edu/greatplaces/fairness.html

• http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/employee-development-employee-ethics/2975409-2.html

• http://www.businesspundit.com/50226711/how_to_be_a_good_leader_be_fair.php

• http://www.gameproducer.net/2006/12/15/3-practical-tips-for-better-leadership/

5) Be positive, Negativity Kills

As a manager, you need to be a positive influence. Everyone, especially team members, watch you and take their cues from you, so be honest and positive. Negative comments are a reflection on you and your team, so if you do not have something good to say then do not say anything.

Here are some other thoughts on having a Positive Influence ...

• http://www.thepracticeofleadership.net/2007/06/13/are-you-demotivating-your-employees/

• http://careersavvy.typepad.com/career_savvy/2007/02/positive_influe.html

• http://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2003/august/i_ids3.html

• http://www.schulersolutions.com/how_to_lead_by_example.html

6) Promote Teamwork

Teamwork is about working together as a team. Factors the help or hinder teamwork are communication, trust, commitment and change. Managers need to understand these factors within each group, and provide both positive and negative feedback to team members in order to maintain and improve teamwork.

Here are some other viewpoints on Promoting Teamwork ....

• http://www.thepracticeofleadership.net/category/teamwork/

• http://search.bnet.com/search/Leadership+and+teamwork.html?t=0&s=0&o=1

• http://smartlemming.com/blog/index.php/2007/06/23-ways-to-be-happy-at-work-17-share-knowledge/

• http://www.bnet.com/2410-13059_23-64253.html

Andrew McAfee and Tom Davenport Debate

The Enterprise 2.0 Conference will be held in Boston next week and Andrew McAfee will be giving a keynote speech on Tuesday, June 19 at 9:05.

Before the keynote, however, Andrew McAfee and Tom Davenport are going to discuss Enterprise 2.0 in an open forum and figure out whether they actually disagree about the importance and likely progression of Enterprise 2.0. Both have gone back and forth on this a couple times (Tom then Andrew last fall, then Tom then Andrew this spring), but these point-counterpoints were written, sequential, and uncoordinated. Susan Scrupski and her employer BSG had the bright idea to stage an actual debate, and to hold it in Boston during the conference when interest will naturally be high. Conference organizers Steve Wylie and CMP graciously agreed to let us hold the event at the actual conference site (The Westin Boston Waterfront), and to open it to anyone who's interested, whether or not they've registered for the conference.

So on Monday the 19th at 10 am in the Westin, Tom and Andrew are going to go podium-to-podium for 45 minutes. The debate will be moderated by ZDNET's Dan Farber and will be webcast and recorded. Watch Susan's blog and Andrew's Blog for more details.

Technorati : Enterprise 2.0