Thread by @ValaAfshar

Dear managers,

Your job is not to make people work harder.

Your responsibility to help your team achieve their goals, let them know that their work matters, and then recognize and reward those who consistently help the team deliver timely, high quality and positive outcomes.

Why employees leave companies:

1 direct manager
2 no career growth
3 lack of customer focus
4 non-competitive compensation
5 no employee training
6 no commitment to equality
7 no apppreciation or recognition
8 no mentor or sponsor
9 culture of blame
10 no safe space to innovate

Poor manager Good manager
—————— ——————
Controlling Collaborative
On the sideline Player coach
Self-centered Humble, giving
Big opinions Lifelong student
Company first Customer first
No feedback A Mentor
Demanding Developing

Language of successful managers:

1 how can I help?
2 what do you think?
3 your work matters
4 I trust you and our team
5 I appreciate your commitment
6 thank you for working hard
7 I was wrong, I am sorry
8 your career path is my priority
9 do you have the tools to succeed?

Advice to new managers:

1 earn trust by giving it
2 hire for EQ, train for IQ
3 eat lunch with your team
4 tell people their work matters
5 be a player-coach
6 feedback in private, praise in public
7 in victory, lead from back
8 in crisis, lead from front
9 communicate intent

The most important lesson for new managers is this: it is an honor and a privilege for you to manage others. You work for your teammates, not the other way.

You are there to remove obstacles. You are there to career path. You are there to coach and sponsor. You serve them.