There is so much written and shared about how to be a great leader, the qualities of a good leader, and so on. I agree that effective leadership is necessary for a successful business. But what we often overlook is the role effective Management plays in a successful business.
Effective management is a whole different ball game. It is often the unseen missing link with a struggling business, and when it is there, it is the glue that holds everything together.
Not all great leaders are great managers, but to be a great manager you need to be a good leader.
Big companies know this, so they’ll hire general managers, managing directors, or operations heads to handle the day-to-day grind. But for small business owners—especially entrepreneurs running the show—it’s a different story. They’re expected to be the visionary, the leader, AND the manager. That’s a lot of hats to wear.
From my experience, being an effective manager means mastering some fundamentals. Here are the top seven areas you need to focus on:
1. Leadership Is Still Part of the Job
Even as a manager, you’ve got to inspire your team. They need to want to work for you and trust and respect you, and that trust goes both ways. Leadership doesn’t stop just because you’re also managing day-to-day operations.
2. Bring the Energy
You’d be amazed how much you can accomplish by just showing up with energy and enthusiasm. People feed off that “let’s get it done” vibe. If you’re fired up, it’s contagious. Often that is all it takes to make the difference between mediocre performance and thriving.
3. Set Clear Expectations
Ever hear a business owner say, “I’m so frustrated—my team isn’t doing their job!”? Nine times out of ten, the problem isn’t the team. It’s that nobody knows exactly what their job is or what success looks like. Spell it out. Make it crystal clear what you expect and what “done right” looks like.
4. Measure Everything (But Don’t Micromanage)
You can’t just rely on gut feelings like, “they are not doing their job.” You need real data to know if someone’s doing a good job. What’s the outcome you’re expecting? How are you measuring it? Numbers don’t lie, and they keep things objective.
5. Hold People Accountable (Including Yourself)
If someone’s not pulling their weight, you’ve got to address it. No point in silently stewing over it—they can’t fix what they don’t know. Give honest feedback but also hold yourself to the same standard. Accountability is a two-way street. Try to instil a culture of accountability but not blame.
6. Create Solid Processes
Processes and systems are lifesavers. They keep things consistent and help everyone know what’s expected. Plus, staying on top of new tech and finding ways to improve your systems shows your team that you’re serious about making their work easier and more effective. It’s not just about saving time or cutting costs—it’s about creating a better work environment.
7. Listen With an Open Mind
This one’s big. Really listening to your team—even when it’s feedback you don’t want to hear—can open doors to solutions you’d never think of on your own. It’s a skill that takes practice, but it’s worth it. Really get to know each member of your team – what makes them tick – what do they react well/badly to – what are their expectations of you as a manager – and address any disconnect or misunderstandings in this regard.
At the end of the day, being a great manager is about balancing all of this. Leadership gets all the glory, management is not as “glamorous” but without solid management, even the best leader can’t keep the wheels turning. Focus on these essentials, and you’ll see the difference it makes—for you, your team, and your business.