There is no denying it, being a good manager and a good leader today is challenging.
Managers often face significant pressure from various sources, including internal factors within their organization or team, as well as external factors beyond the organization's boundaries.
Mobilization and Retention
As professionals, we must prioritize efforts to engage and retain our employees. It's not new, the labor shortage affects all industries and it’s imperative that we take active steps to address it.
It is up to managers to find a way to help their employees feel heard, supported and motivated in their work to maintain a certain level of mobilization of their teams and to encourage their workers to stay with the organization and to see opportunities for internal development.
Performance vs. Balance
Another internal pressure experienced by managers is the pressure to perform in the management role, but also balancing their team members' performance and making sure they do not burn out.
There is a shortage of people in the organization, so the teams must take on a greater share of the projects and objectives to be achieved. Expectations are high and the manager is accountable for the overall performance of his team. For this reason, one question often comes up: How can we be highly performing while taking care of our people?
The High Level of Competition
Externally, we only need to think about our organizations' competitors. In fact, in this increasingly crowded and competitive market, managers must make strategic decisions and provide innovative solutions to stand out from their organization's competition.
The Economic Situation
The current economic context is influencing the world of work. The threat of recession affects the budgets allocated to work teams. This phenomenon encourages managers to adapt their action plans and be more agile in managing their teams. They must find strategies to be able to do more with fewer resources.
These are just a few examples of pressures that can be experienced by a manager and that can cause stress and anxiety in their daily work. The question I want to ask and try to answer is this: How can we support our managers who face this kind of pressure?
Here are 5 ways to support your managers through challenging times 👇
1. Develop your Communication Skills
It may seem trivial to say that we need to improve our communication skills, but communication is at the heart of a manager's work. By improving our communication skills, we can share our expectations clearly and thus promote collaboration throughout the team.
These skills also allow us to maintain or re-establish a healthy and positive work dynamic within the team, particularly through the development of effective conflict management strategies.
2. Opting for a Coaching Mindset
It is common to experience pressure in the workplace, especially when managing a heavy workload and numerous projects. Managers are accountable for the performance and success of their team, but they must be able to delegate to balance their workload and their team’s workload.
To do so, managers can involve their employees in identifying solutions to achieve certain projects and involve them in the management of certain deliverables. The use of "brainstorming" can be a good way to invite employees to bring forward their ideas.
When delegating, it's important to set clear expectations and establish action plans with your team. This ensures everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, enabling them to follow through on their commitments. By involving your team in the management of deliverables and making them more accountable, you can foster a culture of ownership and collaboration that leads to better results.
3. Build a Positive Work Environment
When a manager is under a lot of pressure, he or she often has to think about the elements over which they have control. One of these elements is the relationships they have with their colleagues and employees. He can use openness, authenticity, and also humor to make the climate pleasant for others, but also for himself.
Emphasizing authenticity in relationships can foster collaboration, teamwork, and goodwill. It is an element that allows us to build rich relationships with our collaborators. So, even though at times we may feel more pressure, we can count on the support of our colleagues.
4. Share Personal Experiences and Emotions
When we're under pressure, it can be tough to deal with the emotions that arise. However, it's important to remember that we're not alone in feeling this way. It's essential to talk about what's going on and not keep everything bottled up inside.
If you're a manager dealing with a difficult situation, consider joining a community of peers or a co-development group. This can be a helpful way to share your struggles and get support from others who have been there before. By doing so, you may be able to find new perspectives and approaches to dealing with the challenges you're facing.
5. Make Time for Personal Passions and Well-Being
It can be challenging to maintain a work-life balance, but it's crucial to carve out time for yourself to "unplug" and recharge. This is easier said than done, but it is a practice that will reduce your chances of experiencing burnout.
One way to ensure you have time for what's important for you is to prioritize it in your schedule. This can help prevent your work from encroaching on the activities that help you maintain your balance and well-being.
Work pressure is an integral part of a manager's career. This is why it is important to take the time to think and develop strategies to reduce the effects of this pressure. We invite you to share with us your strategies for reducing the pressure you experience as a manager. Together, we can learn from one another and find effective ways to achieve a more balanced life.