What are your tips for being a good manager?

[Holidayholiday2025]

I'm starting a new job at the end of October, and I'll be managing one member of staff.

It's been a while since I managed anyone and I've never had any formal training. So, I'm hoping to find a course to take to give me some principles to fall back on over the next month. (Is LinkedIn learning any good?)

I'm sure we've all had terrible bosses and know how soul destroying it can be if your boss isn't doing their job well. I can think of lots of things I don't want to do as a boss!

But, what makes a good line manager?

Any tips much appreciated, I want to get this right!

Maintain communication, offer support when needed and don't micro manage.

Listen. Take an interest in them as a person. Agree don't micromanage, empower them if you can. Support and be constructive about any mistakes

Id read up on Radical Candor theory by Kim Scott.

Don’t micro manage

If they want to talk about an issue that’s affecting them, don’t start talking about that time when something happened to you.

Don’t promise them confidentiality if it’s something that needs to be disclosed to HR or up the management chain. If it has to be disclosed, then fair enough, but don’t give them the expectation of complete privacy.

Be very clear what you expect from them and the timescale you expect it in. But be realistic. Don’t go promising your manager that your team can clear a 2 month backlog in 2 weeks without any overtime or assistance, and still meet current targets, then tell your team that they are responsible for making it happen. Ask them if they think it’s achievable and, if not, what they need to help them achieve it. Have a plan ready to put in place if they tell you that they’re struggling.

We do monthly meetings (just a 5-10 minute call) where we talk about what went well the previous month and what didn’t go so well, so if there are any negative issues, they can be nipped in the bud rather than waiting until an annual appraisal and it all coming as a massive shock.

Be ready and willing to hand out praise where it’s due, even if it’s consistent hard work or a pleasant attitude rather than achieving a big result.

And my absolute personal no no, is don’t message someone at 9am asking if they’re free for a chat at 3pm, and then vanish into meetings all day, so they’re left wondering if they’ve done something wrong, when all you want is an update on something. Imposter syndrome is so, so common. By lunch time, they’ll be convinced they’re about to get the sack while said manager is completely oblivious to the panic they’ve caused.

Clear expectations
Perfect courtesy
Do not overshare and maintain professional boundaries
Never ever gossip about anyone else
Demonstrate that you work harder than them without ever discussing it
Be kind and be fair
Be on time every day
Listen

You are not the solution to everyone’s problems - knowing how to delegate is key.

Being a manager is often being a therapist.

Lead with compassion. Read up on servant leadership.

If I ever schedule a catch up I will always preface to say nothing to worry about, just catching up on xyz to see how it’s going etc. I agree - never let someone worry!!

Don't try and be their bestie.

Yes, I know I've been on the receiving end of this! Worries myself silly for nothing! But a few words could have prevented that.

Wherever possible encourage them. Build them up. If they feel valued they will work better for you and you will both get the best out of each other.

Good luck. The pure fact you are thinking of how you can work on a good working relationship shows me that you will be a brilliant boss.

How often do you check in with them?

My current boss has a weekly team meeting with a standing agenda, for example, which is somewhat useful.

And fortnightly 1-2-1s.

We're a remote team so I guess we possibly get together in meetings more often than you might if you were in the same building anyway.

I’d strongly recommend reading about situational leadership and then discussing it with your direct reports. They let you know what they want to talk about and then between you you can identify the response they want from you.

I recommend this book about authentic leadership.

Why should anyone be led by you?

I'm sure you wouldn't, but don't go in like a ton of bricks. I've just seen a newly appointed manager ( from non manager role, internal promotion) go in so keen to make changes and improve things that she's coming across as sargaent major, saying things like the only acceptable reason to miss team meetings will be annual leave or sickness you need my permission to miss a meeting( kind of obvious really that you would miss a meeting for those. and likely to get people's backs up that 5 mins ago she was the same level as) as opposed to saying eg please make every effort to attend, reason why meeting so important, let me know if any issues affecting ability to attend.

I've seen managers particularly those new to it and internally promoted so keen to show everyone they're now da boss, they overdo it. There's no need, boss it gently and subtly I say.

Some very good advice here.

I particularly like the advice to listen - it’s really key. It’s very tempting to talk or respond quickly (it’s my own biggest challenge as a manager) but offering a space where direct reports can be heard is really important.

I also agree 💯 about being clear why you want to speak to someone.

I would add - be honest; prioritise difficult conversations.

being honest doesn’t mean sharing all the information that you have, that might not be possible, but don’t bullshit, evade or promise something that you can’t deliver. Acknowledge mistakes, apologise if needed, be upfront.

Very few managers have difficult conversations early enough - mane the issue, accept it might be a hard conversation and be open to their viewpoint. Don’t avoid these conversations as the issue gets so much bigger then.

Don't micro manage.
Be flexible if they have caring responsibilities.
Don't try to be there near friend.
Be clear with what's expected.
Give praise if they are doing well, don't need to wait for a 1:1.
Tell them you are there to support if they need help as well.
Lead by example, don't gossip and work hard yourself. Sorry I know it's obvious.
Allow yourself to trust them if they have demonstrated they are performing well.

THIS!!

After 20 years in management this is the best advice!

Start, be present, LISTEN & ask questions. Spend time with your team just observing & getting to know them, remember little details to show you have been paying attention. (I always make sure I know the name of everyone’s kids, husbands, pets & each member of staffs birthday.)

Don’t make any changes for at least a month or two (unless there’s anything that’s genuinely problematic) - find out how things work and why things are the way they are. Then pull all your thoughts and ideas for improvement together and discuss them in a more structured fashion.