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When looking for a role, we often overlook the impact a good manager or boss can have on our work life and ultimately our career growth trajectory. While it’s important to evaluate your organization holistically (i.e., its mission, accolades, reputation, etc.), it’s equally important to understand who your next direct manager will be.
According to James K. Harter, chief scientist for workplace management at Gallup, at least 75 percent of voluntary turnover can be influenced by managers. In fact, according to the study According to Gallup research, the number one predictor of employee turnover is one’s immediate supervisor. Recognizing the impact they can have, here are six important characteristics of her that you should prioritize in your next boss during your job search.
1. A person who is moved by a group.
Effective managers lead by keeping the company’s mission front and center. In other words, they empower those around them, especially their direct reports. They do so by understanding that their role as a leader depends on the success of all team members. Former CEO of General Electric jack welch “Before you become a leader, success is all about developing yourself. Once you become a leader, success is all about developing others.”
Great managers learn early on that they can’t do everything themselves. They also know their team well, including each individual’s strengths and weaknesses. As such, they delegate tasks in a way that leverages each individual’s expertise while moving the group forward.
Related article: 12 personality traits that great entrepreneurial leaders have in common
2. Someone who can guide and inspire.
Your boss needs to be able to guide and coach you, as well as teach you in a way that you can learn. We all grow and retain information in different ways, so your relationship with your manager should be synergistic. To properly evaluate your future manager, it’s important to know and understand the environment in which you will work and grow best. For example, are you someone who responds well to direct feedback? What motivates you? And how do you prefer to receive instructions? Based on your answers to some of these questions, You can decide what type of manager best suits you and your learning style.
Truly great managers go beyond coaching to inspire those around them. Give your direct reports a sense of ownership and empowerment by encouraging them to take calculated risks, push boundaries, and dream big. When talking to potential employers, you should ultimately walk away from your conversation with the hiring manager feeling motivated and energized by the prospect of working for them.
3. Someone who provides autonomy.
We’ve all heard the term “micromanager” and its negative connotations. A good boss gives direction. Good managers foster autonomy. Look for leaders who are willing to give you the space you need to experiment, innovate, and achieve. Effective managers don’t fear potential failure and don’t compromise on results, but they give their direct reports the freedom to generate new ideas, reinvent the wheel, and think outside the box.
4. People who lead with empathy.
Empathy plays a fundamental role in how we understand and relate to those around us. And since a prerequisite for managing people is simply understanding them, good managers lead with empathy. Empathy is perhaps the most important trait a manager should have. It helps establish respect and trust. When leaders genuinely care about the well-being of their team members, a culture of camaraderie emerges. Employees feel valued and appreciated, which results in higher job satisfaction, higher morale, and lower turnover.
Empathetic managers consider how their decisions impact employees’ day-to-day lives and explain the thinking behind larger decisions that affect their teams. Additionally, actively acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of your direct reports.
Related: 7 common traits of great business leaders
5. Be transparent and honest
A good boss is honest not only when it’s convenient, but also when it’s difficult. Business requires tough conversations. By being open and transparent, effective managers don’t leave their teams in the dark. They recognize that keeping teams informed is critical to maintaining morale, especially in moments of crisis or uncertainty. Managers often set the tone for the entire team, so when managers lead with candor and understanding, teams are more likely to embrace accountability and transparency.
6. Someone who not only listens but listens.
Like any relationship, the one between you and your boss depends on strong and effective communication. Great managers listen first and speak last. Giving his team his undivided attention during group meetings and his one-on-one meetings allows his direct reports to take ownership of the project and allows them to become subject matter experts for whom they were hired. Become.
During the interview, seize the opportunity to interact with potential future colleagues. Pay attention to how people who currently work for the hiring manager talk and feel about their boss. Gain valuable insight into your work environment and leadership style.