Regardless of the profession or position, virtually everyone appreciates the merit of good management.  It’s something that we heartily embrace when we are fortunate to experience it.  And it’s something that we sorely miss when we find that it’s lacking in our leaders.  If you occupy a managerial role currently – or aspire to one in the future – it is wise to consider how your personal and organizational influence can be used as a force for good in the lives of your employees.

Whatever your field, keep in mind that any responsibility you receive is above all a means to an end.  If you wish to be effective in leadership of any kind, then you should flee the age-old temptation to cling to power for its own sake.  Instead, you should hold to it loosely, acknowledging your individual limitations and preparing to share responsibility in the interest of those whom you serve.

In other words, when it’s done well, management is the hard work of humbling and giving of yourself in service to others, rather than belittling and manipulating others in service to yourself.

Below are seven practices to help you manage with humanity and humility:

Seek to understand

Every individual with whom you work possesses desires and struggles that may not be apparent to the naked eye.  Take intentional steps to move beyond superficial pleasantries.  Learn about the goals that your employees have, as well as the pressures that they face.  Refrain from prying, of course, but to the extent that your employees are willing to open up and share, make a point to celebrate and sympathize with them on a human level. 

Express your thanks – frequently and sincerely

Press pause at points to acknowledge the good work of your team.  Affirm with your words, but also provide them with tangible rewards.  If someone just made a big sale, treat them to a lunch out.  If someone’s been staying late at the office all week, grinding away at an arduous project, let them take off early on Friday.  Just as you desire for your efforts to be recognized, those on your team want to know that their contributions are being seen and appreciated.

Keep your work in perspective

Back during my freshman orientation, the president of my college made a comment that left an indelible mark on my concept of work.  Describing the general disposition of the student body, he observed, “At this school, we take what we do seriously, but we do not take ourselves too seriously.”  What a profoundly simple yet powerful ideal!  While the fruits of our labor speak for themselves, our egos do not; and while we might be engaged in invaluable work, we don’t consider ourselves to be indispensable.  In management, such a mentality is key.  For one thing, it alleviates the pressure toward perfectionism that we often feel.  And for another, it frees us from envy while enabling us to rejoice in the talents and passions of our teammates.

Afford dignity to all

Whatever their quirks, their questionable habits, or their irksome qualities, recognize that each individual for whom you are responsible is a person of value.  While this is not to say that you should excuse a poor work ethic or turn a blind eye to meddlesome gossip, you should seek to maximize the potential of those around you – which requires, of course, that you provide constructive correction when it’s called for.

Play to the strengths and passions of your team

As you think about how to divvy up assignments, consider people’s unique aptitudes and interests.  What makes them come alive?  What do they find especially fulfilling?  What are they particularly well-equipped to accomplish?  If you’re willing to ask and answer these questions, you will be able to delegate perceptively in a way that maximizes your team’s momentum.

Exhibit transparency

In management, integrity is irreplaceable.  Your team needs to know that it can trust you at your word, which demands that you admit when you don’t know something; that you be honest when you do; and at every turn, that you exercise discretion in how you handle sensitive information.  Trust that is lost through the spread of rumors, half-truths, and white lies is very difficult to regain.

Let them know that you hear them

Don’t pay lip service to something like active listening and then proceed to tune out the input of your team.  When someone approaches you with a genuine concern or suggestion, explicitly acknowledge that you hear them, and then work toward a solution.  There are few things that boost people’s self-esteem more than seeing that their ideas have made a concrete difference.
 

Humanity and humility: two qualities that, nowadays, seem to be in short supply.  However, if you work to cultivate these characteristics as a manager, you will set yourself apart as a leader among leaders – as someone who truly brings out the best in those who surround you.