The Manager's Role

Digital Marketing - Study Notes:

Goals and priorities

If you’re a new manager or are about to transition into a management role, it’s crucial that you understand what the position involves. That’s because being a manager is very different to being an individual contributor. Moving from managing your own workload to overseeing other people’s activities and tasks requires a major shift in focus. When you truly understand what management entails and what managers do on a day-to-day basis, you can better prepare for the role and maximize your chance of success.

If you jump into a management role without considering what the job entails, you run the risk of making the transition more difficult. For example, if you think that management involves being aggressive and demanding, you might start micromanaging people or making radical changes throughout your department from day one. But if you behave in this way, you’re more likely to alienate your direct reports and create more work for yourself in the long run. And you’re unlikely to be successful as a manager.

Understanding your goal

To be effective in this role, you need to consider the underlying goal of a manager. What are you trying to achieve? A manager’s goal is to bring out the best in their people and inspire them to perform to a high standard every day, deliver on company objectives and reach their full potential. You can do this by empowering teams and individuals to do their jobs well. You give them everything they need to do their jobs efficiently – and you make them accountable for their results. 

Balancing priorities

As a manager, you’re expected to deliver success through your team. But you’re also expected to deliver on your core priorities. While managing your team is a top priority, you’ll likely need to balance your managerial responsibilities with your own individual tasks and obligations. This balance can be hard to find and may shift depending on several factors, including:

•      The size and seniority of your team
•      The type of work undertaken by your team
•      Your immediate and longer-term priorities
•      Individual and team dynamics
•      The wider work and business environment
•      Changing life circumstances

As a manager, you need to work with your own boss to review your core priorities and key deliverables and to manage expectations of what you and your team can deliver at any given time.

You can ask yourself some questions to help you balance your competing priorities:

•      Can your boss help you to prioritize your core manager tasks?
•      Are you delegating work effectively among your team members?
•      What do you need from your boss to ensure you can effectively manage your team?
•      What are the unique needs of the people on your team and how can you tailor your management approach to ensure you empower and support them? 

For example, an employee who’s working on a new project and needs more time to understand it, or an employee who requires flexibility in their daily schedule might need you to reprioritize certain deliverables, or push out delivery deadlines. As a manager, it’s crucial that you understand individual situations and care for team members as human beings, not just employees.

Receiving feedback

In addition, all managers should welcome feedback. Positive and negative feedback can help you grow in your role as a manager, be more effective, and get better results. You can get feedback on how you’re doing from a variety of sources, including: 

•      Your team members
•      Your boss
•      Your skip-level manager
•      The wider leadership team in your organization

Responsibilities of a manager

The responsibilities of a manager are generally more wide-ranging than those of an individual contributor. Common management responsibilities include: 

•      Hiring
•      Communicating
•      Planning
•      Organizing
•      Delegating
•      Training
•      Monitoring
•      Ensuring accountability
•      Providing feedback
•      Coaching

If you’re about to move into a management role, it’s important to consider the traits and qualities you’ll need to demonstrate in this position. To help you do this, review any preconceptions you might have about the role and consider the new demands that are likely to be placed on you as a manager. Also, think about the skills managers need and reflect on any relevant experience you might have that can help you succeed in your new role.

Modeling leadership behaviors

Keep in mind that a manager is required to model leadership practices and principles at all times in the workplace. An effective manager demonstrates strength of character, pitches in when needed, sets the tone with their words and actions, and leads with integrity. They’re accountable for business results, guiding their teams to success, and modeling desired behaviors. 

Coaching

The best managers also coach their teams and help them perform great work and meet or even exceed their goals. They help team members understand the broader business landscape and wider organizational objectives – and how each individual fits into the bigger picture. This often helps to develop a sense of shared purpose among the team. 

In addition, effective managers empower others to succeed by fostering an environment of collaboration, continuous learning, and improvement. They foster innovation and are open to different approaches and new ways of solving problems. They encourage team members to experiment, take calculated risks, and learn from their mistakes. They talk openly with direct reports, listen carefully to what they hear, and approach conversations with compassion. Finally, successful managers ensure a cohesive and consistent work experience that delivers on team and business needs.

Managing with care

Above all, it’s important that managers manage their teams with care, warmth, and empathy. So, when you’re in this role, be thoughtful of other people and considerate of their needs. Take every opportunity to build your team’s confidence and skills and grow their talent. Create an open and trusting environment where people are free to speak openly, where they’re listened to and respected, and where they can thrive. When you’re genuinely interested in the wellbeing, aspirations, growth, and success of others, you’re on your way to being a great manager.