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When looking for positions, we frequently overlook the impact that a unique manager or boss can have on our skilled lives and ultimately our profession trajectory. While it is vital to evaluate your organization holistically (i.e. its mission, accolades, and status), it’s equally essential to understand who your next direct manager can be.
According to James K. Harter, Gallup’s chief scientist for workplace management, at least 75% of the causes of voluntary worker turnover may be influenced by managers. Indeed, according to tests conducted by Gallup, your immediate supervisor is the best predictor of turnover. Given the significant influence they’ll have, here are six key qualities to prioritize in your next boss during your job search.
1. Someone who is driven by the collective
Effective managers lead with the company’s mission at heart. In other words, they empower those around them, especially their direct reports. They do this with the understanding that their leadership role depends on the success of each team member. Former CEO of General Electric Jack Welch he summed it up well with the following quote: “Before you become a leader, success is about developing yourself. When you become a leader, success comes from developing others.”
Great managers learn early on that they can not do every part themselves; additionally they know their team thoroughly, including each person’s strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, they delegate work in a way that leverages each individual’s knowledge while driving the collective forward.
2. Someone who can coach and encourage
Your boss is not going to only need to train and direct you, but he or she also needs to give you the option to teach in a way that you would be able to learn. We all develop and store information in alternative ways, so your relationship with your manager needs to be synergistic. To properly evaluate a future manager, it is essential to know and understand the environment in which one works best and develops. For example, are you a one that responds well to direct feedback? What motivates you and how do you favor to receive guidance? Based on the answers to some of those questions, you possibly can determine what style of manager can be best for you and your learning style.
Beyond coaching, truly exceptional managers encourage those around them. By encouraging direct reports to take calculated risks, push boundaries, and dream big, they instill a sense of ownership and power. When interviewing potential employers, it is best to ultimately walk away from your interviews with the hiring manager feeling motivated and energized by the prospect of working for them.
3. Someone who provides autonomy
We’ve all heard the term “micromanager” and the negative connotations associated with it. A superb manager provides instruction; a great manager encourages autonomy. Look for leaders who gives you the space you would like to experiment, innovate and achieve your goals. Effective managers are not afraid of potential failure, and while they do not compromise on results, they provide direct reports the freedom to generate latest ideas, reinvent the wheel, and think outside the box.
4. Someone who leads with empathy
Empathy plays a fundamental role in how we understand and relate to the people around us. And because the prerequisite for managing people is simply understanding them, great managers lead with empathy. Empathy is probably the most vital quality a manager has; helps build respect and trust. When leaders truly care about the well-being of their team members, it creates a culture of camaraderie. Employees feel valued and appreciated, which ends up in greater job satisfaction, higher morale and lower turnover.
An empathetic manager considers the impact of his decisions on employees’ on a regular basis lives and explains the essence of larger decisions affecting the team. Additionally, they have a good time the achievements and milestones of direct reports by actively showing appreciation.
5. Someone who is transparent and honest
A superb boss is honest not only when it is convenient, but also when it is difficult. In business, you have to have difficult conversations. By maintaining openness and transparency, an effective manager does not leave the team in the dark. They know that keeping the team informed, especially in times of crisis or uncertainty, is crucial to maintaining morale. A manager often sets the tone for the entire team, so if they lead with a sense of openness and understanding, the team can be more willing to accept accountability and transparency.
6. Someone who not only hears, but also listens
Like any relationship, the one between you and your boss is based on strong and effective communication. An excellent manager listens first and talks later. Giving your team your undivided attention during group meetings and one-on-one meetings allows your direct reports to take ownership of projects so they’ll change into experts in the field for which they were hired.
During job interviews, take the opportunity to interact with potential future colleagues. Pay attention to how people currently working under the hiring manager talk and think about their manager. It can provide useful information about the work environment and leadership style.