A McKinsey survey of managers shows just 20% of respondents strongly agree their organizations help them be successful people managers. It is crucial companies consider the role of managers and offer support so their managers can realize their full potential.
Inc. shares the following ways leaders can make managers some of their most valuable assets.
- Let managers manage. Although successful managers integrate the company’s purpose into interactions with team members, they often must handle administrative tasks that distract them from managing people. It can help to take paperwork off managers’ task lists and empower them to be compassionate leaders. Studies show when employees see the compassionate side of their managers, they are more loyal and perform better.
- Trust your managers. Senior leaders often fail to empower the people lower in the hierarchy simply because they do not trust them. However, managers have the best perspective regarding daily operations. If senior leaders have chosen managers who are qualified and have trained them well, they should trust them to build strategies, make decisions and define how their team members collaborate.
- Rethink recruitment and retention. Managers are a vital part of recruitment and retention efforts, and they need their companies’ support to succeed. Companies should include managers in the recruitment process and allow them to be part of hiring and worker development. Facilitate a strong partnership between managers and human resources because managers know the skills they need for each position. Managers also are essential in building long-term connections between new hires and the company.
