What Makes a GREAT Manager? (it’s not what you think)

Summary

In 'The Making of a Manager,' Julie Zhuo argues that effective managers are developed through practice rather than innate talent. She highlights three essential qualities: building trust by showing vulnerability and providing specific feedback; offering inspiring, actionable feedback; and conducting purposeful meetings with clear outcomes. Additionally, great managers tackle imposter syndrome, prioritize execution over perfection, and lead by example. By embodying these traits, managers can enhance team dynamics, foster a collaborative environment, and ultimately drive success in the workplace.

Takeaways

• 😀 Great people managers prioritize outcomes over personal roles in achieving those outcomes.
• 😀 Trust is essential for effective management, enabling open communication and feedback.
• 😀 Vulnerability in managers fosters respect and encourages team members to share challenges.
• 😀 Specific recognition and feedback are crucial for motivating and guiding team members.
• 😀 Preparedness for one-on-ones shows that managers value their team's time and growth.
• 😀 Great feedback should be clear, actionable, and include measurable expectations.
• 😀 360-degree feedback helps provide a more objective view and reduces defensiveness.
• 😀 Effective meetings have clear outcomes and should include only necessary participants.
• 😀 Creativity thrives in brainstorming sessions that are prepared for ahead of time.
• 😀 Social interactions are just as important as formal meetings for strengthening team relationships.

Q & A

What question can help determine if someone would be a good people manager?

The key question is whether you get more satisfaction from the outcome being achieved or from playing a particular role in achieving that outcome.

What qualities do great managers possess according to Julie Zhuo?

Julie Zhuo identifies three universal qualities: building trust, giving great feedback, and running amazing meetings.

How do great managers build trust with their team?

Great managers build trust by showing vulnerability, giving specific recognition and feedback, and being prepared for one-on-one meetings.

What is the significance of showing vulnerability as a manager?

Showing vulnerability allows managers to connect with their team on a human level, encouraging open communication and respect.

What should managers focus on during one-on-one meetings?

Managers should come prepared with relevant questions to help their team members identify next steps, focusing on understanding and support.

What does great feedback entail according to the script?

Great feedback involves setting clear expectations, providing specific actionable insights, and collecting 360-degree feedback for objectivity.

Why is setting clear expectations important for managers?

Setting clear expectations helps team members understand what is expected of them and how their performance will be measured.

What types of outcomes warrant a meeting according to Julie Zhuo?

Meetings are warranted when a decision needs to be made, information needs to be shared, feedback is to be given, ideas need to be generated, and relationships need to be strengthened.

How can managers effectively run meetings?

Managers should have a clear outcome for each meeting, invite only necessary participants, and engage attendees through interactive discussions.

What are some additional qualities of great managers mentioned in the script?

Additional qualities include managing imposter syndrome, hiring well, valuing execution over strategy, effective delegation, and maintaining consistency between words and actions.