How to be a Better Manager

They say that being a manager is both art and science. Being better at your job than your other co-workers doesn’t automatically mean that you would be a great manager. Knowing how a martial arts school operates is one big factor, but being a boss is more than that.

I’m sure we all had that supervisor who was disrespectful, selfish, and just made office life hell for everybody. Sure, work output was ok and it was delivered on schedule, but at what price? People who are promoted to this kind of level and power should know that being superior doesn’t give them the license to overstep on boundaries, promote stress, play favorites, and make threats. These attitudes might be effective for the short term, but if you want your martial arts school to be successful and prosperous in the long term, then changes must be made. Here are some tips on how to be a better manager.

Don’t Bark Orders, Develop Talent

Barking orders is just one form of micromanagement. Micromanaging your team can make sure work is done, but most of the strain will be put on the part of the manager plus it will destroy morale and just be counterproductive. Instead of ordering every move of your employees, develop their talents and trust them to do their jobs. Let them make a couple of mistakes (as long as they don’t repeat the same mistake again.) If you trust them to do their work on their own, they will feel that they are valuable to your company. It will improve morale and sooner or later, you will have a team of highly proficient people. They will be happier and your work will be easier. Win win.

Highlight Team Efforts

It’s okay to celebrate your personal achievements, but a great manager would prefer to rejoice team efforts. Picking and assembling a good team is a skill that is developed by great managers through time and experience. If your team does something good, always give credit where credit is due. Give compliments and don’t hog all the glory. At the end of the day, they are still your team, you’re responsible for them and their success.

Don’t Dominate, Collaborate

Leaders feel the need to, well, lead. But leading a team is not dominating them to what you only want. Instead of doing only what you think is right, hear them out and listen to what they have to say. Collaborate with your team and choose the best ideas. You can also apply this to meetings. Instead of having a presentation, make it a group discussion. You might be surprised of what they have to say.

Being a good manager also promotes a better working environment which increases the chance of your employees staying in your martial arts school. If you still don’t want to change your ways and be the boss that everybody hates, chances are, you won’t see your current employees for far too long.