Last spring my son was working as an intern at our company. One day he came into my office and asked, “What is the one book on leadership I should read?” My mind raced. There are just so darn many.
Of course, I am a fan of Leading at A Higher Level, which outlines a lot of The Ken Blanchard Companies content. And then of course there is the brand new Servant Leadership in Action. I love both of these books and recommend them highly.
My son also got me thinking about some of the attributes a great manager should either have or be working on. Here is a list of 15 attributes that serves as a good starting point—these suggestions are taken from notes our Blanchard coaches have made about what they focus on during coaching calls.
Attributes/Practices of Great Managers
- Be interested and curious
- Do no harm (or don’t be a big jerk)
- Admit when you are wrong and apologize when appropriate
- Keep your eye on the ball – don’t waste time on what doesn’t matter
- Surround yourself with the best people you can
- Be a role model from the behaviors you are holding your people accountable for
- Have at least one bright person you trust who challenges you even if it is annoying
- Exercise iron clad personal discipline when it comes to self-care
- Practice self-control so that you can respond instead of react
- Do the hard things first
- Mean what you say, say what you mean
- Do what you say you are going to do
- Be crystal clear about your expectations
- Listen more than you talk
- Keep learning and growing
What am I missing? Please do add your thoughts!
About the Author
Madeleine Homan Blanchard is the co-founder of The Ken Blanchard Companies’ Coaching Services team. Since 2000, Blanchard’s 150 coaches have worked with over 14,500 individuals in more than 250 companies throughout the world. Learn more at Blanchard Coaching Services.