What Makes a Great Manager? Debunking Common Beliefs

What comes to mind when you think about a great manager? Is it the image of a charismatic leader who commands the room with his presence, effortlessly inspires his team, and consistently drives high performance? This picture seems enticing! However, what truly sets a great manager apart often lies in the subtleties and nuances of their approach. Good managers are not just about charisma and high performance; they deeply understand their team’s strengths and weaknesses, promote an environment of trust and collaboration, and lead with empathy and integrity.   

Great managers balance authority with approachability, provide constructive feedback, and adapt to changing circumstances. They inspire their teams through their presence and genuine commitment to growth and success. So, let’s get cracking, debunk myths and explore the qualities that make for effective management.

Myth 1: Great Managers are Born, not Made  

Reality: Experience, learning, and development shape exceptional leaders. Many people believe that the best managers are born with innate leadership abilities. While some traits like charisma might come naturally, the best manager skills are learned and refined over time.   

Skills to Develop:  

• Effective communication.  
• Strategic thinking.  
• Problem-solving.  
• Emotional intelligence.

Myth 2: A Great Manager Knows Everything 

Reality: A great manager knows how to delegate. The belief that a manager must have all the answers is a common myth. In truth, being a good manager is about understanding the importance of delegation. They trust their team members and utilise their skills effectively, promoting collaboration and innovation.  

Delegation Tips:  

• Identify strengths of team members.  
• Clearly define tasks and expectations.  
• Provide support and resources.  
• Trust the process.

Myth 3: Great Managers are Always the Most Popular  

Reality: Great managers are respected, but not always popular. While being liked can be beneficial, it’s more important for managers to be respected. Making tough decisions, providing constructive feedback, and maintaining professional boundaries are the traits of a good manager.   

Building Respect:  

• Be consistent and fair.  
• Lead by example.  
• Communicate transparently.  
• Show genuine interest in team members’ growth. 

Myth 4: Great Managers Work the Longest Hours  

Reality: Great managers work smarter, not harder. There’s a common belief that the best managers work the longest hours. However, productivity and efficiency matter far more than simply the number of hours worked. Outstanding managers prioritise tasks, delegate effectively, and ensure their team maintains a healthy work-life balance.

Time Management Tips:  

• Prioritise tasks based on importance and urgency.  
• Avoid micromanaging.  
• Encourage breaks and time off.  
• Use tools and technology for efficiency. 

Myth 5: A Great Manager Never Makes Mistakes.  

Reality: Great managers learn from their mistakes. The idea that a manager must be infallible is unrealistic. Being a great manager, you should acknowledge your mistakes, learn from them, and use these experiences to improve your management style. This openness creates a culture of growth and learning within the team.  

Learning Strategies:  

• Admit mistakes promptly.  
• Reflect on what went wrong.  
• Seek feedback from others.  
• Implement changes and improvements. 

How to Become a Great Manager  

Becoming a great manager involves continuous learning and development. Here are some steps to consider:  

• Pursue Management Courses: Enrol in management courses or MBA programs to gain formal education and practical skills.   
• Seek Mentorship: Learning from experienced managers can provide valuable insights and guidance.  
• Gain Experience: Practical experience is crucial. Take on leadership roles in projects or volunteer for management tasks. 
• Develop Soft Skills: Improve communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence.  
• Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest trends and developments in management practices.

Essential Traits of a Great Manager  

To truly understand what makes a great manager, it’s important to look at some good manager skills:  

1. Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is crucial. It helps in setting expectations, providing feedback, and resolving conflicts.  
2. Empathy: Understanding and empathising with team members’ perspectives creates a supportive and productive work environment. 
3. Adaptability: Adapting to changing circumstances and embracing new ideas is essential in today’s dynamic business landscape.  
4. Visionary Leadership: Great managers have a clear vision and can inspire their team to work towards shared goals.  
5. Decision-Making: Effective managers make informed decisions promptly and are willing to take calculated risks.  
6. Conflict Resolution: Managing and resolving conflicts fairly and constructively is vital for maintaining team harmony.  
7. Integrity: Upholding strong ethical principles and leading by example builds trust and respect among team members.  
8. Vision: A clear vision provides direction and motivation, inspiring the team to work towards common goals. 

The next crucial step is to acquire essential skills and knowledge to become an effective manager. A well-rounded education in management enhances your ability to lead and make strategic decisions. It equips you with the tools to handle complex business challenges.   

The right institution provides a comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and practical learning opportunities, ensuring you acquire the essential skills aligned with industry standards. Choosing a reputable institution is key to receiving a quality education that prepares you for a successful managerial career.   

For aspiring individuals like you, who wish to become a great manager, Shoolini University is the perfect destination.   

Management Studies at Shoolini University  

Located just 90 minutes from Chandigarh, Shoolini University is the No.1 Private University in India (as per the QS and Times Higher Education World University Rankings). Shoolini provides a pristine and eco-friendly environment for students to learn and thrive. The top-notch rankings and green campus make Shoolini the best among MBA colleges in Himachal Pradesh.   

The School of Business Management at Shoolini is among the 101-125 best institutions in the country, according to the National Institutional Rankings Framework (NIRF). Shoolini University has a distinctive and forward-thinking curriculum that provides transformative educational experiences. With advanced specialisations in management studies, the university prepares students to excel in various corporate roles. 

Also read: How Shoolini Helps You to Become a Successful HR Manager

MBA Courses at Shoolini University  

The School of Business Management at Shoolini offers a two-year fully residential MBA program. The program gets you industry-ready and is designed and mentored by academicians, business and corporate leaders from the top 1% of companies. These include corporates like McKinsey, PwC, Citi, and institutions like IITs, IIMs, ISB, and Oxford.   

Shoolini’s MBA programs are considered among the best MBA programs in the country to provide a global perspective. Students at Shoolini can gain global exposure by enrolling in semester-long internships in countries such as Australia, the UK, the USA, Italy, Indonesia, the UAE, or Taiwan. Recently, four of our MBA students got internships at PATTA International and MetaGuru in Taiwan.  

The future-ready MBA program at Shoolini offers specialisations in to help you equip yourself with essential skills to become a great manager. Here are the MBA courses offered by Shoolini University:   

• MBA Marketing (Digital Marketing, Brand Management & Retail)   
• MBA Finance (FinTech, Venture Capital, BFSI, Financial Derivatives)   
• MBA Human Resources   
• MBA Pharma and Healthcare   
• MBA Business Analytics  

Skill Development & Placement at Shoolini   

The growth-focused curriculum at Shoolini ensures a 24/7 learning environment for the students to grow and excel. With a focus on skill development, Shoolini MBA program features innovative skill development programs. These are:   

SPRINT: SPRINT stands for Skill Progression through Rapid, Intensive & Innovative Training. This Standford-inspired proprietary bootcamp is a week-long program that provides industry exposure and hands-on training through workshops, games and guest lectures.   

ATP: Advanced Training Program or ATP is a 21-day program for MBA students. This helps students build problem-solving skills and boosts conceptual knowledge.

Leadership Through Mentorship: This program connects MBA students with the corporate world by bringing together top industry experts such as CEOs, CHROs, CLOs, and other country heads, offering career guidance and valuable networking opportunities.  

Conclusion  

A single set of traits or behaviours does not define great managers. They are adaptable, empathetic, and supportive, prioritising the needs of their team and promoting a positive and inclusive work environment. By debunking common myths and focusing on the qualities that truly matter, you can better understand what it takes to be a great manager and inspire the next generation of leaders.  

Whether you’re an aspiring manager or looking to improve your leadership skills, remember that excellent management is about continuous learning, growth, and a genuine commitment to the well-being and success of your team.  

Become a great manager with Shoolini University. MBA Admissions for 2024 are now open. Apply today!