❔Basic definition
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💡 Managing managers means guiding those who lead teams. Your role is to support, mentor, and develop them so they can effectively manage their own teams.
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🌈 Why we care about it?
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💡 When managers are well-supported, their teams are more engaged, productive, and motivated. Conversely, poorly managed managers can lead to burnout, low morale, and high turnover.
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🔧 Here’s what you need to do:
Recognise Not Everyone Wants to Be or Should Be a Manager
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💡 In startups it is especially common to find “accidental managers”. Sometimes this works out great, sometimes it does not. One of your big jobs is to ensure that those in people management roles in your team are truly suited for it and invested in doing it well.
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- Candid Conversations: Discuss career aspirations and the realities of management with potential managers. Be honest about the challenges and rewards of the role.
- Support Transitions: If a manager decides the role isn’t for them, support them in finding a position that better suits their strengths and interests. Not everyone is cut out for management, and that’s okay.
🎯 Set Clear Expectations
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💡 Clarity helps managers understand their responsibilities and goals, leading to better performance and less confusion.
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- Define Key Responsibilities: Outline what is expected of your managers in terms of their roles and responsibilities. Be specific about the outcomes you want them to achieve and their principle accountability. Check this How To Define The Role Of Manager For Your Startup
- Set Goals and Metrics: Establish clear, measurable goals for your managers and their teams. These should align with the broader company objectives.
🏉 Make Time for One-on-Ones with Them and Their Direct Reports
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💡 Regular one-on-one meetings are essential for understanding your managers' challenges, needs, and achievements.
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- Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your managers to discuss their progress, challenges, and needs. This helps you stay connected and provides an opportunity for real-time support.
- Connect with Their Team Members: Occasionally meet with their direct reports to get a holistic view of the team's dynamics. This isn’t about bypassing the manager but about understanding the team’s challenges and successes from multiple perspectives.
⚡See Their Leadership in Action