Agile Leadership

Six essential responsibilities of a manager

In the modern workplace, managers have new responsibilities. They go beyond traditional duties and focus on getting teams to perform optimally by creating a supportive and productive environment.

1. Set clear team goals

A manager translates strategy into measurable team goals. Employees expect clarity and need to know when they are doing well.If they do not know what success means concretely, how can they be successful? 'Imposing' success does not work; the conversation is crucial.

Together, determine a measurable definition of success and check it for effectiveness, feasibility, energy and enjoyment. Then the team can work independently, with concrete and clearly defined success that is measured on an ongoing basis.

2. Create the optimal work environment

Teams need an environment in which they can succeed, and managers are responsible for creating it. This includes providing the right competencies, tools, learning opportunities and collaboration. Managers determine these framework conditions together with the teams because they know best what they need. For recurring blockages, the manager helps remove them.

3. Realizing a clear departmental vision

Teams can only work independently if they have clear goals and directions. A clear vision makes decisions easier and serves as a compass to success. Managers translate the company vision into a vision for each team, which promotes collaboration and connects higher goals to daily tasks.

4. Collaborating outside your own department

Managers use their network inside and outside the organization to get things done for their teams. A stakeholder analysis helps with this. Teams often have limited awareness of the total playing field and active parties. The manager oversees this playing field and encourages broad collaboration.

5. Clarity about one's own role

A manager who consistently fulfills his role makes things easier for everyone. This requires consistent behavior and clear communication about expectations. Clarity about scope, tasks and responsibilities helps and should be worked out concisely and concretely and shared with the team.

6. Empower and reinforce the chosen way of working

A stable way of working provides teams with the stability they need. It needs time to form and be applied. As manager, you develop and strengthen this working method together with the team, making team members more effective and delivering more value. Your ongoing support is essential here.

Strengthen your leadership

As a manager, you play a crucial role in your team's success by embracing and effectively applying these six responsibilities. From setting clear goals and creating an optimal work environment, to developing a clear vision and fostering collaboration, your leadership makes all the difference.

To support you in developing and refining these skills, we offer a comprehensive training program. Discover how to further strengthen your leadership skills and take your team to new heights with our specialized training courses.