How to Win As a Manager

Advisor: Your strength is your common sense. I come to you to play out real-world “what-ifs.” You are my most practical resource.

• I trust your recommendations because in most matters you are an expert. I know that you’ve done your research or are speaking from experience. This gives me great confidence. Invite me to share my own ideas or insights. I need to know that my unique experience is also of value.

• Encourage me to take some industry-specific courses that can deepen my own expertise. Then talk to me about how what I have learned can help my coworkers or clients.

• I love how practical you are when it comes to rewarding me. When I win an award, you don’t just give me something generic, such as a gift certificate. Instead you’ll offer something useful to me, such as working my shift or buying me the new program I’ve been clamoring for. This tells me that you understand what my life is like.

• You are decisive. This keeps the wheels turning. I could benefit from slowing down at certain points to evaluate progress and ensure I’m still aiming in the right direction.

• I trust you with my problems. I feel safe bringing them to you. You provide excellent advice. Encourage me to bring solutions with my problems. Ask me, “What have you already considered?” or “What do you think you should do?”

• You are practical, pragmatic, and decisive. Which is great; things get done. But now and then leave me space for some “what if” thinking. Allow me to tap into my own creativity.