In 2009, Google's People Innovation Lab launched an ambitious endeavor to pinpoint the characteristics that distinguish outstanding managers - Project Oxygen. This extensive study scrutinized thousands of observations and hundreds of variables, supplemented by numerous interviews with managers and their teams to provide context to the findings.
Though the research is not recent, its conclusions remain remarkably relevant, offering evidence-based attributes that can significantly enhance your leadership and managerial skills. A common pitfall for many leaders is an overemphasis on less impactful aspects, often supported by scant evidence. Avoid this error by focusing on these eight proven attributes that truly make a difference in effective management and leadership.
Be A Good Coach
A good coach does more than direct—they nurture and support their team members’ development. They provide actionable feedback, challenge their team without overwhelming them, and celebrate their successes. To be a good coach, actively listen to your team members' concerns and aspirations. Tailor your coaching style to their individual needs and learning styles. Encourage a culture of trust where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn, to empower your team to achieve their best.
Empower Your Teams
Empowering your team means trusting them to make important decisions and take ownership of their work. This autonomy boosts motivation and fosters innovation. Facilitate this by setting clear goals and providing the resources needed, then step back to let your team execute. Encourage initiative by rewarding creative solutions and independent problem-solving. This not only drives performance but also builds a resilient and adaptable team.
Express Interest in Team Members Success and Personal Well Being
Managers who invest in their team's professional growth and personal well-being see profound impacts on engagement and loyalty. Regular one-on-one check-ins to discuss career aspirations and personal challenges show you care beyond their output. Implementing wellness programs or flexible work policies can further demonstrate your commitment to their overall well-being, aligning with modern best practices of empathetic leadership.
Be Productive and Results Oriented
Great managers lead by example in productivity and focus on results. They manage their time efficiently and prioritize work that maximizes impact, embodying the principle that leaders should "be a yardstick of quality," as Steve Jobs famously advocated. Set clear, measurable goals for yourself and your team and use robust metrics to track progress. Celebrate when goals are met and analyze when they are not, using setbacks as a springboard for further improvement.
Be a Strong Communicator
Effective communication is pivotal for a successful manager. This involves not just clearly outlining tasks but also conveying the company’s vision in a way that motivates and aligns the team. Practice transparency to foster trust and inclusion, letting your team in on both the 'what' and the 'why' behind decisions. This approach ensures everyone is moving in the same direction with a shared purpose.
Help Your Team with Career Development
Investing in your team’s career development is a hallmark of great managers. Facilitate training sessions, provide access to courses, and set up mentorship programs. Encourage them to take on new challenges that stretch their capabilities, and provide feedback that helps them grow. Recognize and promote talent internally whenever possible, as this not only motivates but also retains top talent.
Have a Clear Vision and Strategy
A clear vision and strategy make your team’s work purposeful and directed. Articulate where you are heading and the steps needed to get there, making sure these align with broader organizational goals. This clarity helps to prioritize tasks and enhances team coherence, reducing confusion and aligning efforts. Regularly revisit and refine your strategy to adapt to changing circumstances, keeping your team's work relevant and focused.
Have the Technical Skills Needed
A manager doesn't need to be the foremost expert, but a solid grounding in the technical skills relevant to the team's area of work is crucial. This competency allows you to give credible guidance and make informed decisions, enhancing your respect and authority. Keep your skills sharp with continual learning and stay updated on industry trends, ensuring you can lead your team effectively through technical challenges.
In embracing these eight attributes identified by Google’s comprehensive study, you not only enhance your managerial effectiveness but also cultivate a workspace where innovation, commitment, and productivity thrive.
While we've explored practical steps to embody these attributes, the journey towards becoming a great manager is ongoing. For those who wish to delve deeper into transforming their management style, Work Rules! by Laszlo Bock is an invaluable resource. This book provides further insights into creating an environment that fosters true innovation and respect, drawing from the real-life practices of one of the world's most successful companies - Google.
I'd love to hear from you! Which of these eight attributes do you find most essential in a manager? Are there any you’re striving to develop further in your own leadership style? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to like and share this post if you found it insightful. I greatly appreciate it!