Five Qualities of an Effective Manager

Being a Leader requires an individual to wear many different hats, often times worn simultaneously. This versatility enables an effective manager to take direction from directors, coordinate with colleagues and supervise subordinates. Current and/or potential leaders should continually work to improve their organizational skills by recognizing and developing the five attributes of "who they are" and how well they balance them out.

1.) The Filter - A filter works one way, it absorbs all the crap then produces a usable, productive material. An effective manager must possess good filter qualities. The edicts handed down from the Board of Directors, Executive Committee or Senior Management is not always pretty; in fact, it's usually quite messy. But an effective manager will take this pile and extract the best bullet points in order to deliver good, clean information and direction to their staff.

2.) The Coach - A coach has a team with a number of players. A good coach knows the strengths and weaknesses of each player on their team. A coach watches the playing field from the sidelines. Sure, they would love to partake in the game, but if they were on the field they would not possess the visibility needed to call effective plays. In essence, an effective manager knows their team, knows their players, and knows their position which is that of an omniscient presence that stands on the sidelines to witness things their players cannot see.

3.) The Developer - The developer brings out the best results from their team. They understand when to push, when to pull, when to trust and when to take over. They also understand that the best leader is only as good as those who support them. An effective manager recognizes development levels and implements strategic plans for the future growth and the development of direct reports.

4.) The Mentor - The mentor always leads by example because the direct reports are always watching; even when you think they're not. An effective manager makes a tremendous effort to create an organizational ambience of "You are working with me, not for me". Yet the respect of leadership will remain.

5.) The Replacement Seeker - An effective manager recognizes at some point, there will be a need for change. As one practices the effective principles of filter, coach, developer and mentor, he or she realizes there will be a time to move up and on. Therefore, an effective manager will always be looking for their replacement.