As a manager and leader, I’ve always strived to challenge myself to improve and help others to do the same. One question has consistently piqued my curiosity: Why are some manager’s and leaders better than others?

I once had a conversation with a highly competent manager who said to me, ‘I could go on holiday for a month, and everything would run like clockwork’. Intrigued I asked ‘How do you do this? Can we bottle it and sell it? I really want to know your secret?’ I have recounted this story many times during leadership training sessions I have run over the years which has elicited various responses from laughter to disbelief that this could ever be achievable. The truth is this is what all managers and leaders should be aspiring to work towards, but are they willing to make changes and put in the effort to be better managers themselves?

So, what are the secrets from exceptional managers. Here I have gathered some valuable insights from highly competent managers on what it takes to be exceptional:

1. Raise people up. Exceptional Managers understand that when they empower their team members to excel, they themselves rise as leaders. Instead of feeling threatened by your direct reports, invest time in helping your staff reach their full potential.
2. Support people’s learning and development. Your team needs the knowledge, skills, and tools to excel in their roles. By investing in training and being their cheerleaders, you are setting them up for success.
3. Empower your team. Rather than telling everyone what to do and dictating every step, start asking the right questions and foster accountability within your team. Get comfortable with delegating authority.
4. Give people responsibility. Granting ownership of tasks builds confidence and trust among team members. Not everyone may want it, but those who do can shine.
5. Delegate effectively. Letting go of control if challenging, but effective delegation will optimise your resources, empower others, and share accountability. Ensure clarity of communication, planning and logic in your delegation.
6. Motivate and Inspire. Understand what motivates each team member and use that knowledge to get the best out of them. Believe that they can achieve their full potential.
7. Role model behaviour. Set an example by exhibiting the behaviour you expect from your team. If you don’t do this how to they know how to behave? Address any unacceptable behaviour within your team first by reflecting on the impact of your own behaviour.
8. Be fair and consistent. Consistency and fairness as a manager is vital. Inconsistent behaviour breads mistrust and disengagement. Act with integrity, respect and do what you say you will do.
9. Be human. Showing some vulnerability and being human can go a long way to building relationships, rapport and trust with your direct reports.
10. Show compassion. Remember your staff are not robots, so don’t treat them as such. They are individuals with their own worries, fears and challenges that are unique to them. Demonstrating that you value your team members and your genuinely care goes a long way.

In pursuit of exceptional leadership, these ten tips from experienced and highly successful managers shed light on what it takes to stand out. Exceptional managers are willing to put in the hard work, and as a manager and leader, the question you should ask yourself is are you willing to make the necessary changes to become exceptional?

At Practical Training Solutions we can help take managers and leaders learning and development to the next level.