Employees need to know what is expected of them; having clear expectations helps employees do their job well. A good manager will convey his expectations and make sure employees understand them. He also will make himself available to employees, so they can have the opportunity to clarify any confusion they may have.
Employees can always benefit from a manager's guidance and leadership. For instance, if you own a restaurant, it's doubtful the workday will run smoothly without a manager's intervention. A good manager will monitor her employees as they work and offer suggestions to accomplish tasks in the most efficient and effective manner. This, in turn, can result in more skilled and confident employees. Also, a good manager will work side-by-side with employees during an unexpected surge in business or an employee absence.
A good manager knows that employees need motivation to keep repeating desired behaviors and encouragement to achieve their goals. Managers can offer incentives for exceptional performance as a way to motivate employees. They can hold weekly meetings to encourage employees to strive for their goals. When employees know that their manager cares how they do their jobs and whether or not they are successful, it can make a difference in their daily effort.
A good manager will observe his employees, gather relevant data and evaluate employees objectively, regardless if a personal relationship exists. His job is not to play favorites or become friends with everyone. He is not a peer to his employees; he is a leader. He is there to identify employees' strengths and help them build upon them. He is skilled at identifying areas that need improvement and is able to offer helpful solutions to employees while supporting them as needed. By being fair and objective, the manager will keep employee morale intact and also gain respect and trust.
