I was recently asked what was my definition of a manager.
Ok.
I am in a management role at my current job, I should be able to answer this question relatively easy.
My response, “A manager is responsible for removing roadblocks so the team they are managing can work with the least amount of interference and distractions. A manager should also mentor and give opportunity for growth.”
Sounds good, but wrong answer.
A manager should trust and empower their team to solve problems and remove their own roadblocks. A manager should create an environment for their team to thrive, learn and grow. Also, trusting that when mistakes are made they are learned from, and remembering that mistakes are a part of the growth process.
This was a new way for me to think about how to be a better manager.
I did not initially think about empowering my team, I was thinking about what could I do to help, instead of thinking what could I do to help them help themselves.
This is not the complete definition of a manager, but it is the start of my definition of a manager.
As I learn new things about how to be a better manager I’ll post them as a reminder to myself, and hopefully to help someone else.
