What makes a good manager? Whether you lead one or a hundred employees, the expertise and tone you bring to the workplace determines the success and happiness of your team. 

In recent times, leadership roles have changed: The COVID pandemic and the rise of remote work have created unique situations requiring managers to possess more vital soft skills and better staff support than ever before. Mastering these skills can help you develop the successful leadership abilities essential in today’s business world. 

Here are eight characteristics that can make a manager more effective in creating a positive and productive workspace. 

#1 Empathy 

Managers with high emotional intelligence possess an increased sense of awareness which helps them read the room and identify non-verbal cues. They come across as more personable and can recognize—and address—signs such as burnout and dissatisfaction in their employees. 

According to a study conducted by the State of Workplace Empathy, 96% of employees believe that a manager showing empathy is essential, yet 92% believe that this does not get practiced enough. Employees appreciate leaders that acknowledge and celebrate their successes and personal well-being and respect themselves and their team. Supporting your employees and checking in frequently, rather than only when problems arise, can help your team stay on track. 

#2 Good Communication Skills 

In a study by the Economy Intelligence Unit, poor communication in the workplace was cited as having numerous impacts: 

This highlights how critical strong communication is to organizational success. Effective managers don’t just give directions; they create open channels for discussion, offer clarity on expectations, and actively listen. This means setting regular check-ins, responding thoughtfully to questions, and being transparent about both goals and challenges. 

The need for excellent communication skills is more urgent than ever. With the rise of remote work since the COVID pandemic, traditional workplace dynamics have changed. According to a 2020 Qualtrics study,  44.4% of surveyed remote workers reported declining mental health.  Long hours, isolation, and unclear expectations only make things harder. That said, managers who foster clarity and openness—especially across digital platforms—can boost morale, improve productivity, and build trust within their teams. 

#3 Technological Skills 

Technically proficient leaders who can jump in and advise during all stages of a project are a valuable addition to any team. Keeping up to date on new software related to business, employee engagement, project management, or communication is essential to keeping a team connected. Technologically proficient team leaders can also train or retrain their employees with more confidence. 

#4 The Ability to Empower Employees 

Although many managers use the GROW model to train new employees, successful coaching skills are not easy to implement. A great coach also knows how to: 

  • Offer suggestions. 
  • Give constructive feedback. 
  • Get to know the strengths and weaknesses of each of their employees. 

#5 Organizational Skills 

Task and time management can make or break the cohesiveness of your company. Leaders should be careful not to micromanage but instead delegate tasks and set clear goals and expectations. Good organization can also: 

  • Provide a greater life-work balance. 
  • Increase performance. 
  • Improve the efficiency of your team members. 

#6 Vision 

Taking a company’s vision and translating it into decisive actions and a clear strategy is no small task and crucial for success. Determination, reliability, optimism, and persistence are all qualities of a visionary: a risk-taker who creates tactical plans to get work done. 

#7 Encouraging Creativity 

Creativity breeds innovation. Managers who provide resources and guidance for innovative ideas can help employees feel comfortable enough to think outside the box. Allowing employees to provide ideas and even make some decisions allows those team members to grow. Fun activities or team breaks can also encourage creative thinking and improve company culture.  

“Good management is the art of making problems so interesting and their solutions so constructive that everyone wants to get to work and deal with them.”  –Paul Hawken, entrepreneur 

#8 Confidence 

Being confident and leading by example can help calm employee concerns and create a sense of ambition and purpose. But confidence doesn’t just mean holding your head high. It also involves: 

  • Being honest with your team. 
  • Admitting to failure. 
  • Being brave enough to make bold decisions. 

Hone Your Leadership Skills at The University of Texas Permian Basin 

Learn the critical skills needed for effective leadership in any field or corporation, whether as a CEO or team leader. Our online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management can help you build and develop your skills as a manager, make crucial decisions, and strategize effectively in business and personal situations. 

Our College of Business is AACB-accredited, and our courses are entirely online and offer the flexibility needed to fit your busy schedule. Students who complete their undergraduate degree in management may also want to further their leadership skills with our Master of Business Administration and complete an additional master’s degree in less than a year. 

Ready to become part of the Falcon Family? Apply to UT Permian Basin today. 

Sources: 
https://www.cultureamp.com/blog/what-makes-a-good-manager
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-you-manager-can-great-coach-your-employees-
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-ways-technology-improves-proficiency-workplace-abhi-golhar
https://www.lifehack.org/844532/time-management-skills-for-managers
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/traits-of-visionary-leadership
https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/qualities-of-a-good-manager
https://www.liveabout.com/how-managers-can-become-awesome-coaches-2275926