QUALITIES OF AN EFFECTIVE MANAGER

You have been working your way up the company’s ladder, to acquire, a position you have always dreamed of, a management position. You are confident that with your abilities you will do a great job, but a month or so down the line, you realize that road is not as smooth as it appeared

Well, you are not the only one. Most people have failed to succeed as managers, simply because they lack those basic initiators which could lead them to their dream position. Although a successful manager acquires a lot of qualities which sets him apart from others following are the most common and basic qualities of a successful manager:

Honesty you will have to deal with many problems and challenges. From time to time, you will have to make some tough choices. Those that you manage will look to you for re-assurance. Your superiors should trust that whatever you are doing is in the best interest of the company not for any personal gain At the same time, your subordinates should trust your actions and words. Credibility and reliability is the most important quality of an effective manager which comes with honesty.

Communication. A successful manager must be an effective communicator, both orally and in written form. He/she should portray confidence and professionalism while speaking to employees as well as clients and customers. World’s best leaders have been best orators. Your communication skill leads you climb the ladder of success.

Interpersonal Skills. You cannot be a good manager if you don't know how to handle people. From employees, to clients, vendors, etc, a successful manager knows how to stay on top when it comes to interacting and dealing with people. If you are not good at dealing with people internally or outside organization, a management position is not for you.

Activeness and Independence. A successful manager is not someone who will go to his boss all the time to seek guidance. He should be aware of what is going on in the organization at a particular point of time and what could be the prompt and beneficial step for a particular situation. This way, he will be well equipped to train his subordinates and pass on well-informed instructions, rather than beating around the bush or running to his boss every time.

Leadership. In an organization you have to lead a team many a times. In order to succeed in management, you must be an effective leader. You should be able to combine all the other qualities of good management with some leadership traits, such as the ability to motivate your employees, resolve conflict, make sound decisions, listen to your employees, etc.

Team Building. Working in teams is the most common and important practice being followed in every organization today. Employees perform better when they work together as a team. And since an organization's success depends on employees' performance, a great manager is one who can build a strong team. While things may not always be harmonic at work, it is the duty of the manager to ensure that at least for the most part, there is a strong feeling of togetherness in the work place.

Stress Management.Management involves a lot of stress due to the work pressure and daily activities, and this can be almost on a daily basis. A good manager must be in position to withstand all this. He/she must remain grounded and firm, while keeping calm in handling situations. Most managers fail because they don't know how to manage stress without blowing off their heads.