Excellent managers come in all shapes and sizes. They even have their own management styles which determine how they interact with their team. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to management styles, but there are some styles that seem to be more effective than others. The goal of any manager should be to lead their team toward accomplishing a goal through direct planning, organization, staffing, and direction. The following management styles help managers accomplish this goal in a way that keeps employees happy and satisfied with their job.
Strategic Management
Strategic managers focus more on the big picture than all of the little details. They are more concerned with the long-term success of the company and try to align their goals with the vision of the company. They communicate that vision directly to their team and they also seek feedback from employees on the steps necessary to get there. They involve other managers and their employees in the planning process. Unlike micromanagers, strategic managers are typically “hands-off” once they transfer tasks to their team. They trust their employees to meet the goals on their own. Many employees enjoy working for this type of manager because they feel empowered to jump on board and get involved. They also know that their opinion matters and their voices are heard. Furthermore, employees appreciate being trusted by their manager rather than dictated every step of the way.
Servant Management
At first thought you might imagine a servant leader to be someone who takes on the extreme role of a passive servant. However, the reality of this style is a beautiful blend between servant and leader. A servant manager not only works to serve their customers, but their employees as well. They care about their employees on a personal level and see themselves not as someone who has power over their employees, but someone who can provide for their needs so they can be successful in their jobs. A servant manager sees their employees as their most important asset and works to provide them with all of the tools, training, and skills needed to achieve their goals. Businesses appreciate this management style because both the customer’s and employee’s needs are being met. Employees appreciate this style because they feel valued as people, instead of being looked at as a commodity.
Authoritative Management
The primary goal of an authoritative manager is to provide long-term vision and direction for their employees. They are effective in providing clarity for their employees so they know exactly what is expected of them. People who work under an authoritative manager understand what to do and why it is important. They also have clear rewards for their success. This manager is often described as “firm but fair.” Businesses love this management style because these managers are strong, confident, and quickly earn the respect of their peers and employees. They are also very results oriented. Employees can also appreciate this style because they know exactly what to do and they are motivated by the constant feedback from their manager.
Coaching Management
Coach management is a style that emphasizes the importance of the employee’s needs. These managers are highly focused on training and development in order to help the employees achieve long-term success. They help and encourage employees to develop their strengths and improve their performance. They motivate employees by providing ample opportunities for professional development. They want to see their employees succeed and they feel like it is their responsibility to help them do so. Employees appreciate this style because it fosters open communication and an environment where continuous learning is encouraged. Employees are likely to feel confident in their abilities because they have been given adequate training.