Over the past 15 years as a small business owner/consultant, I've observed various organizations and the diverse ways managers interact with their staff.
In every organization, you'll encounter two distinct types of managers. Both hold positions of leadership, yet their approaches and impacts are worlds apart.
Manager Type 1: The Supportive Leader
- Empowerment Over Command: This leader invests in their team, supporting growth and fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued.
- Respect for Time: They understand that time is precious and respect their team's work-life balance, avoiding unnecessary demands outside of work hours.
- Advocate for the Team: In meetings or company-wide initiatives, they stand with their team, championing their successes and staunchly defending them when needed.
Results: Employees under such management often report higher job satisfaction, increased loyalty, and superior performance. Their teams thrive, innovate, and collaborate effectively.
Manager Type 2: The Ladder Climber
- Vision Limited to Upwards: This manager is fixated on pleasing higher-ups, often at the expense of their team’s needs and well-being.
- Time is Their Domain: They may overload staff with last-minute tasks, disregarding the impact on their personal lives to ensure they look good in front of superiors.
- Valuing Appearances Over Substance: In meetings, they prioritize the optics, possibly even taking credit for their team’s work or blaming them for mishaps.
Results: Teams under such leadership often feel undervalued, overworked, and unappreciated, leading to high turnover rates and a culture of mistrust and disengagement.
So, Which Manager Do You Aspire to Be?
In my experience, I have observed that organizations thrive under leaders who advocate for their employees. This approach fosters a strong, motivated, and loyal workforce, which ultimately leads to greater success for the company. Additionally, such an environment contributes to improved overall performance, resulting in better business outcomes.
Let’s create workplaces that inspire, support, and grow together.