In any business, it’s often the frontline workers who produce the products and services themselves.
That means that it’s important to have excellent workers creating your goods, but it doesn’t mean that the managers and team leaders can be any less effective.
In fact, trained and effective managers can be make or break a businesses.
Why good managers are so important for NZ businesses
Managers have countless responsibilities, and if those responsibilities are ignored, delayed, or performed poorly, it can affect the entire business.
For example, managers must organise their team, provide goals and incentives for meeting targets, ensure everyone on the team knows their tasks and can perform those tasks, and must provide support for everyone on the team.
Furthermore, a good manager can make a world of difference for each team member working under them.
One recent study in New Zealand found that a “caring, respectful and supportive” manager is even more important than the salary for employees. Of course remuneration packages are highly important, but many employees have dealt with substandard managers and know the toll it can take on their ability to do their work, and their morale.
Yet another study found that over half of Kiwis who leave their jobs do so because of a bad boss. Considering the huge costs associated with advertising roles, hiring and training new staff, that can mean a single poor manager can cost a business huge amounts during their tenure.
On the flipside, a great manager can help their team reach goals, and provide better products and services. They can also improve staff morale, and help to retain excellent staff for longer, providing exceptional long-term value for businesses.
What makes for a great manager?
First and foremost, a great manager must be familiar with the work itself. Any frontline employee will struggle to work under someone who doesn’t understand the basics of the job, especially when they need to ask for help or advice.
Yet more than that, a manager must be able to excel in multiple other areas too. They must be a strong communicator, able to clearly explain their needs and expectations from the team.
They must be fair, and able to set aside personal differences and gripes in order to lead the team well. This includes understanding the basics of human resources.
A great manager must also be a great strategic planner. This skill will help them to set a path for the team, make plans for how to reach goals, problem solve as necessary, and ensure all targets set are actually feasible.
It is a rare person who can tick all of the boxes of a great manager from day one, but the good news is that many of these skills can be learned. With Study From Work, you can upskill your managers and potential managers with micro-credentials to help them become better leaders, and to benefit your own business.
Our study options include communications, human resources, strategic management planning, and more. Each course is available for study online, and has been designed to offer practical real-world tools for New Zealand businesses.
Contact us today to learn more about upskilling your managers with our online study options.
Study From Work – info@studyfromwork.co.nz 021 623753