BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

Edit Story

4 Elements Of An Effective Manager's Mindset

This article is more than 4 years old.

Getty

I recently gave a talk for new and developing managers on four key elements of what I call the "manager's mindset." In other words, if you want to approach the job of managing effectively, what are some critical shifts in orientation (areas of focus) to make when moving into management from an individual contributor's role?

While there's no doubt quite a few one can come up with, since management is a broad field, for these purposes I pared it down to four: four critical areas to help get you pointed in the right direction. Four areas of focus that provide solid fundamentals as you progress in a management role.

From self to others. Basic but essential. While it may seem obvious, the fact remains that over the years I observed many talented individuals whose management careers were derailed because they remained too caught up in their own work and didn't focus enough their team. As an individual contributor, it's "all about you" (and I don't mean this in a pejorative way) - your projects, your service, whatever it is you provide for your organization. In management, it's all about the influence you have on others. This is a mindset for productivity.

Results-orientation. One thing I've always liked about management is that it's a logical, results-oriented endeavor. If you're doing it well, with a results-oriented mindset driven by clear goals and objectives, metrically based to the extent possible, it should be easy to tell whether or not your direct reports are succeeding. Performance management should be a rational process - not an emotional "he said / she said" dispute. Ironically, the longer I worked in management, the longer it took me to complete my employees' annual goals and objectives. While this may sound counter-intuitive (shouldn't something get faster the more you do it?), the reason was that I consciously spent more time on it - more drafts going back and forth, more careful analysis on what really were the optimal metrics for an individual and for the organization. Once solid metrics are in place, they're a great roadmap to manage to. For a whole year, or for however long your company's performance cycle is.

Communicating and connecting. While this is a bit of a cliche (sure, all managers should be good communicators, no doubt), just because it's common sense doesn't mean it's commonly practiced. And there's an additional nuance to consider when managing an increasingly agile, remote workforce. Data shows it's easy for remote workers to feel isolated. Effective managers not only communicate well, they also take the time to keep their team connected, no matter where they may be. By whatever means - phone calls, texts, emails, video conferences, bringing employees in to the office, etc.  Whatever works for a particular circumstance. A friend of mine, a California-based executive, routinely visits his team in India. Again, there's no right or wrong method here - but developing the "communication mindset" is a solid start.

Self-awareness. Think about it: If you're not aware of how the messages you're sending are coming across to others, how can you manage, or influence, other people successfully? The answer is: You probably can't. Thus, a mindset of self-awareness is a key element of effective management. Without it, you'll always be (to use a fly fisherman's metaphor) a bit of a trout swimming upstream. Against the current. Over the years I saw this dynamic - managers unaware of how their messages were being received - in action many times. The good news is, if you're a young manager who wants to be self-aware, it's is an attribute that can be diligently developed. By listening carefully, by seeking candid feedback, and by working on areas that need it. It's an excellent long-term investment in yourself, and your management career.

Are there other mindsets as well that are valuable for young and developing managers? To be sure; management is a complex, multi-faceted discipline. But these four can provide a solid foundation.

Follow me on TwitterCheck out my website