Key Takeaways
- Managers play an essential role in all companies
- The three types of managers are line managers, product managers, and project managers
- To be a successful leader, one must be communicative, organized, collaborate with others, and be great problem-solvers
- A manager is both a leader and performs administrative tasks such as hiring, budgeting, helping employees throughout the day, and help businesses with their short- and long-term goal achievement
Within any business or company, there are several employment positions. Each has a different role in ensuring the business operates appropriately. A popular employment position is that of a manager. While a managerial employment position is widely known by name, you may be wondering, what does a manager do? Therefore, if you want to learn more about this job, keep on reading!
Okay, so what Does a Manager Do?
As you know, every business works in a hierarchal format. This can include a CEO at the top, a vice president who is just below, and then directors and managers. Each individual will perform an important task that helps the business succeed and make a profit.
With that being said, managers are in a vital job role in any company. They are both leaders and administrations. Additionally, managers are also responsible for relaying information from higher levels of management to employees. In essence, a manager is there to help guide employees throughout the day. They are in charge of keeping others motivated and are there to offer support.
However, there are also many administrative roles that a manager does:
- Managers are in charge of hiring new employees
- They oversee the training of new employees
- Managers play a crucial role in helping employees grow within a company
- They are in charge of finding solutions to problems
- Managers are vital players in making important decisions
- They ensure to uphold company culture and make sure employees work in a positive work environment
- Managers help make sure a business stays within their budget
- Managers also help businesses achieve short- and long-term goals
Types of Managers
Now that we’ve asked the question of “what does a manager do?” let’s take a look at some of the types of managers.
While a manager’s job is relatively the same, you may be surprised to know that there are different types of job positions.
A-Line Manager
The first type of specialized manager is called a line manager. The most common type of manager is what we will call a Line Manager. They manage employees by creating goals for employees, monitoring their progress, and providing feedback. Line managers are typically responsible for what employees do on a day-to-day basis (Lussier, et al., 2015). They directly oversee the functions of other employees and ensure that a business operates smoothly throughout the day.
A Project Manager
On the other hand, there is also what is known as a project manager. A project manager is in charge of overseeing the production of any project a business takes on. From prioritizing and assigning tasks to planning schedules and dealing with budgets, this manager is a great leader.
A Product Manager
Next on our list of the types of managers is a product manager. This type of manager is typically found in tech companies or any company that has a digital product. The role of a product manager is to identify what consumers need and help ensure their business or product can fulfill those needs. This is usually done by identifying new features and coordinating with multiple teams (engineering, data analytics, senior management) to make sure those changes get implemented. They are also in charge of monitoring changes in the market and provide analyses about market competition. Additionally, product managers help align stakeholders with the products their company is selling.
Qualities a Manager Should Have
(Source: https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/of-the-4-types-of-managers-only-this-one-is-truly-effective)
Being a manager is a challenging job. And sometimes, this job is not suited for everyone. Managers are critical leaders in a company. Therefore, they should have specific qualities that help them guide employees and succeed. Here are some of the top qualities a manager should have:
Great Communication Skills
One of the most essential qualities a good leader can have is excellent communication skills. As managers are the point of contact between employees and higher management, they need to communicate effectively. Moreover, they should also be an active listener, who allows their employees to speak and feel heard.
Effective Organizing Skills
Another essential quality is organization. As managers are in charge of overseeing the tasks of all employees, they must be able to prioritize tasks accordingly. Managers with this personality trait are good at keeping their team productivity high and achieving their goals.
Innovative Problem-Solving Skills
As it is common for businesses to face challenges, a manager must be able to problem-solve effectively. This means they should be confident in analyzing the circumstances to form innovative solutions that benefit the business.
Collaboration
A manager’s job is to lead a team. Therefore, a successful manager must encourage collaboration amongst their employees. Working together can help develop new ideas and improve productivity. It can also help create strong connections amongst employees, which will also aid a business in achieving success.
Encouraging and Understanding
Furthermore, another quality manager’s should have is the ability to encourage and understand their employees. The job of a manager is to make sure employees succeed. Therefore, managers must understand their employees and encourage them to be the best versions of themselves.
Reliable Individuals
Lastly, a successful manager is also someone reliable. They should be role models for other employees. This means they should set a positive example for their employees and contribute to positive company culture. This way, employees feel motivated to do their job to the best of their ability and help the company achieve success.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many portions to the question “what does a manager do?” Managers are an integral part of all companies. This is why hiring a good manager is just as important as leading a company to success. Managers are more than points of contact in a company. They are essential in helping employees and ensuring that a business runs optimally.
