What makes a good manager? It’s my first time managing people and I’m looking for feedback and good books to help me.

Don’t micromanage - take your team out for coffee/lunch 1:1 on get to know them. Ask them about their work styles are and how they prefer to manage. Management is not a one size fits all solution.

Be the manager you wish you had when you weren’t a manager. And know how to set boundaries. Be clear and direct with expectations.

You even asking this says a lot about you and is greatly appreciated because it shows that you want to be a great manager for your team.

My favorite manager was empathetic, inclusive, a great mentor, patient, humble, could admit her wrongdoings/shortcomings, encouraging, fought for me/had my back, etc. Never had another boss like her and she will forever be my favorite boss.

* Understand that you don’t need to have all the answers and your team probably does.
* Don’t change things just for the sake of putting your stamp on your department.
* NEVER send out a mass message about something that only one person did something wrong. Talk privately to that one person.
* Every day publicly recognize team members for doing something right.
* Always know who your top three and bottom three team members are and have a plan for each of them. It is just as important to keep your best engaged while coaching the team members who have deficiencies.
* Admit when you are wrong.
* Ask each team member “what is the one thing about you that I do not know but should”.

Emotional intelligence is key. Also understand your direct report’s communication style and apply that. When giving feedback, avoid sentences “you are doing great or you need to get better” but be specific and provide actionable items.
Also to avoid some frustration, remember that they will not be able to perform at your level (all the time), and it is your job to develop them.

Read the book "Multipliers". It provides great examples how to get the most of your employees and retain top talent.

During regular 1:1s ask “how can I help you (this week)?” Or “can I help you prioritize what you have on your plate?” - these types of questions have always been key for me with managers and as I’ve managed teams. You keep a good beat on not only the progress of work, but also working styles of your team and can get ahead of issues and/or burnout.

Clear expectations and instructions. Providing room for questions when things are unclear. That than say you have an open door policy, set up1:1s frequently so that they are comfortable with the set up. Don’t always talk About work during the 1:1, ask them how things are going and let them talk.

To the best of your abilities give them the tools to execute the business plan. See book ref at end. Do not micromanage to control or save your own hide. Stick to policy but be a human, practice empathy with fairness to the team. Be consistent. Read “Execution the Discipline of Getting Things Done” by Bossidy and Charan. Good luck, Fishes are here for you!

When I became a manager, my manager gave me this book. It’s been helpful professionally and personally

https://www.amazon.com/Difficult-Conversations-Discuss-What-Matters/dp/0143118447/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=1729eff8-9c1f-496a-a403-5c5d9f4e53a6

Research the different types of leadership styles. I've been managing for 20 plus years, and the one common theme is each employee requires a different level of managing and I manage them according to that. They want to be seen, heard and validated. Manage them through your Authenticity and always remember why you wanted to be a manager to begin with. You got this!

The best managers I have ever had have always been willing to do all the work they are asking you to do.

As a manager myself I wouldn't ask someone to do something I wouldn't do myself, that being said I end up doing more than I should probably and not giving myself enough time to do the management side of my job.

Don’t be afraid to drill down into any issues there might be. Ask the hard questions to upper management if needed and advocate for your team. Remember that not everyone works like you do but also set goals that are challenging but achievable so that success can be celebrated. Say thank you often when someone does something for you. And most importantly remember that everyone is an adult and deserves respect. Don’t hoard knowledge either since the best managers are the ones that produce more managers.

All great advice! Emotional IQ is critical, and it’s a lot more than just having empathy. Being honest and authentic and be willing to make mistakes and help your team to not be afraid to make mistakes. There are a lot of bad managers out there so don’t be surprised if your team is a little shy about your style or expectations - they might never have been led in a collaborative way, or expected to be part of the process.

Books:
How Women Rise (Companion book for female presenting leaders to What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.
Dare to Lead- or anything else by Brene Brown, especially if you struggle with connecting with your emotions and dealing with the messy parts of people.
Leaders Eat Last-Simon Sinek

All of these comments are amazing and I could agree more with the fact that just asking how to be the best you can be shows that you will rock it!

Set the expectation, then follow up. Make sure everyone has the training they need to be set up for success.

The number one thing I wish someone had told me when I first started managing staff was this: Read Crucial Conversations.

Number one rule: Put your team in a position to be successful.

I like to focus on career goals and see how I can give them projects or tasks that align with their vision, even if it means leaving the role or the company.

Would recommend looking up Situational Leadership methods to help identify how you can provide the right level of direction/coaching based on the task your direct reports are trying to complete.

I always say “you don’t work for me, I work for you!” We are here to mentor and help them grow. Never expect someone to want to be stationary but also never expect them to put the amount of effort that you do yourself. Seek out their learning styles and personalities with a 1:1 then a team meeting to see everyone with each other. It’s amazing what you can learn about your workers by simply listening and observing.