Aspiring to Achieve Great Leadership? Here's Your Guide

Managing a team is not just about assigning tasks and monitoring progress. Being an 'awesome' manager involves a combination of recognising and appreciating good work, supporting team members, and helping them advance in their careers.

Firstly, it's crucial to ensure that everyone on the team understands their tasks and responsibilities. Regularly asking if they understand and following up on their progress can help maintain clarity.

Recognition is key when it comes to employee motivation. Failing to acknowledge efforts can lead employees to seek acknowledgement elsewhere, potentially causing dissatisfaction within the team. Simple gestures such as bringing in cake or allowing a day off can go a long way in showing appreciation.

Great leaders are not only able to persuade their team to follow them, but they do so naturally. Crystal clear communication is essential when giving instructions or setting tasks. Using flowery language instead of clear instructions can lead to confusion, which can be detrimental to the team's productivity.

Unclear instructions can lead to incorrect work and frustration. To avoid this, it's important to provide detailed and specific instructions. Deadline bullet points can help deliver information clearly and avoid confusion.

Developing and improving leadership skills is an ongoing process. While some may choose to attend management courses, others can learn on the job. NobleProg in Germany offers various online leadership courses relevant to strategy and leadership skills, such as "Leadership 101," "Innovative Leading through Design Thinking," and "Advanced Personal Leadership." The Hanse-Akademie Hamburg also provides online strategy and leadership training sessions, including "How to develop a strategy" and leadership workshops, all accessible in flexible formats suitable for outside office hours.

Learning management skills can also benefit one's studies. For instance, doing an MBA in strategy online can inform both work and study, providing a well-rounded understanding of leadership principles.

Remember, everyone has a different understanding of the term 'soon', so it's important to specify the due date of work to avoid any miscommunication.

Being an awesome manager is not a title, but a practice. With dedication, patience, and a commitment to personal and professional growth, anyone can become an awesome manager. Acknowledging great work motivates high achievers to continue performing well, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Lastly, keep an eye out for opportunities for your team to build and develop their skills. Encouraging continuous learning and development can lead to a more motivated, skilled, and cohesive team, ultimately contributing to the success of the organisation.