Every year, hundreds of conferences are held to discuss the traits and skills that put some leaders above others.

Generally speaking, you will hear the following traits as an answer:

• Good organization
• Performance monitoring
• Subject matter expertise
• Planning skills
• Delegation skills

Clearly, these skills are essential for every leader since they determine the output of the company and how the employees conduct their jobs.

However, this article will take a look at some underestimated skills that could potentially improve your performance as a manager.

The neglected traits that create a successful manager:

1. Embrace failure

Failure is an indispensable part of success.

Unfortunately, many people struggle to accept and embrace failure, which makes it very challenging to give your team the necessary space and time for innovation.

Successful managers give their employees the space to experiment with their ideas, which could lead to the next big thing. However, with experimentation comes a risk of failure. Therefore, if you do no embrace failure as part of the job, you will inadvertently shut the door for innovation.

2. Be humble

Many workplace bosses believe that they need to keep a distance from their employees to assert their dominance. However, this could easily backfire.

The true role of management is to encourage your team to be their best versions. In other words, you need to celebrate with your team, promote success, and give credit where it’s due.

As a manager, 90% of your job revolves around the success of your team rather than your own success. Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that great managers are very humble and work closely with their team.

3. Reflect on yourself

Being reflective is vital in the workplace.

The last thing you want to do in the workplace is creating another Michael Scott – yes, he was lovable and sincere; however, he was unable to see the flaws in his leadership skills.

A reflective manager will set goals and plan his/her actions to implement the necessary steps for achieving those goals.

As you progress in your job, you need to think about how aligned you are with your intentions and goals. Is there anything you can improve in your leadership skills?

Asking yourself similar questions will undoubtedly improve your skills as a manager.

4. Be empathic

In the field of psychology, people trust those who they believe care for them. In other words, if you invest your time to get to know your team and empathize with them, they will trust you.

Many managers complain of the rapid pace of today’s work environment and how difficult it is to get personal with all employees.

Fortunately, there is a fix to this problem.

When you are walking outside your office, put down your phone and talk to your employees. Avoid staring at your computer monitor during meetings. Just have a conversation with those you work with.

5. Do not forget about your peers

Following the tips cited above will ensure that you have a healthy relationship with your team members. However, you also need to stay connected with your seniors and peers.

Working a corporate job means you will constantly be promoted and moved to another office. Therefore, you need to maintain connections with your seniors to ensure that you move up the ladder. In fact, you will be doing something similar with your subordinates since you are preparing them to occupy your current job.

Takeaway message

Being a successful manager is a process of trial and error. However, you need to learn the appropriate skills that allow you to lead a team of innovators.

We hope that this article managed to highlight the under-discussed skills that make a great manager.

If you still have any questions, reach out to our team to learn more!