What do YOU think makes a good manager?

Funky_Bold_Ribena

A good manager is someone who 'manages' - not someone who 'does'. They should make sure the team is effective, manage sickness and absence, be able to train people [or to arrange effective training] and develop people for their futures.
They should be able to take strategy and turn it into practice to ensure the company thrives.
They should not be afraid of their staff, and of addressing issues [no blanket emails, if there's an issue - sort it out don't hide behind the computer].
They should manage people in the ways that those people can be most effective - some need careful close management and some are able to be delegated to and managed at a distance.
They should ensure support mechanisms are in place for effective working.
They should understand how not to manage and self-assess/self-reflect on their management styles regularly.
They should know the trigger points and sorting categories of their staff to enable effective negotiation and reward/recognition.
They should know the systems and procedures back to front and upside down to limit any potential losses from staff or customers in tribunals and claims.
They should investigate thoroughly any accusations and be 'on top of' what's going on in the marketplace and in the workplace.
They should stand by decisions made from above and ensure that the team can adapt and grow as a result.

C_Mababejive

Some of the managers i know are merely wearing the badge. They are lazy,self serving seat warmers who are content to ride on the backs of their workers whilst pretending that they are somehow better,more enlightened and intelligent.

ChicaBonita

I work in a restaurant and I think my manager is really good for that environment. She's competent; I know that if I need to speak to her about something she will listen and give me an honest answer; she's not afraid of telling people when they need to up their game, but she also lets you know when you're doing well; when we're busy she steps in and helps out, but also lets us do some of the tasks when we're not so we can learn (ie making desserts as generally we just take orders etc); and I think overall she trusts that we can do it.
My supervisor, on the other hand, is always on at us, and shouting at us to do things, I think partly because she doesn't trust us to get it right. Which then means that I have customers commenting about her behavior and asking how I can stand it!

paddyrg

A good manager is someone you *want* to do your best for.

They will not work on the coal face every day, but they will sometimes demonstrate that they are prepared to muck in once in a while. Best time to muck in is when it's quiet - when things are hectic is when the manager should step back and manage the situation...pulling somebody off a quieter department temporarily, or making sure everything is lined up to make the coal face workers jobs streamlined.

Good management does not flap, does not have crises, but will seek to contain and minimise others having a flap. They will maintain morale, they will recognise when someone has gone the extra mile, they will build bridges in peacetime they rely on in times of strife. They will show interest in their staff.

With a really good manager, you won't even realise they've done this - you just instinctively know you want to do your best for them, and know they appreciate it when you do.

kelly_borntoshop

My ideal boss...

Someone who can manage the team effectively and efficiently. Calm and collected with a sense of humour and consistent behaviour.

1) Communication.
Has clear and reasonable expectations. Is always there to answer any questions or sign off on work. Is honest and has the ability to admit any shortfalls themselves. Gets to know the "guys on the ground" without being too "pally". Speaks to staff with basic respect and tries to keep personal comments aside.

2) Guidance.
Has a controlled ego. Helps you learn and progress but is also happy to learn or incorporate new skills. Trusts capable staff to manage and complete tasks. Has experience and constructive suggestions.

3) Manages.
Keeps ear to the ground and foresee's rifts or problems. Peacekeeper and fair. Gives credit where due and disciplines where necessary. Prepared to shoulder responsibility and failure for the good of the team. Is there to fill in for sickness, busy periods or under-staffing. Consults others.

4) Administration/Financial Skills
Sets and keeps to budgets (without counting the paperclips). Keeps ahead of deadlines even if putting in extra hours is needed. Efficient with paperwork. Reponsive in a timely manor. Does his/her own job effectively therefore allowing others to do the same. Keeps detailed staff/company records.

HelenR1987

Someone can be great at their job yet let down by their poor people management skills.

A manager needs to not be personal, he/she can not show a dislike to one of their staff, if he they do dislike them they should act professionally