15 Attributes of Great Managers

Madaleine Homan Blanchard, co-founder of The Ken Blanchard Companies’ Coaching Services team had her son working as an intern at the company for a period.  One day he came into his mother's office and asked, “What is the one book on leadership I should read?” Her mind raced.  There are just so many.

She is a fan of Leading at A higher Level, which outlines a lot of The Ken Blanchard Companies content. And then of course there is Servant Leadership in Action.  

Her son also got her thinking about some of the attributes a great manager should either have or be working on.  Here is a list of 15 attributes that serves as a good starting point—these suggestions are taken from notes that Blanchard coaches have made about what they focus on during coaching calls.

Attributes/Practices of Great Managers

1. Be interested and curious
2. Do no harm (or don’t be a big jerk)
3. Admit when you are wrong and apologise when appropriate
4. Keep your eye on the ball – don’t waste time on what doesn’t matter
5. Surround yourself with the best people you can
6. Be a role model from the behaviours you are holding your people accountable for
7. Have at least one bright person you trust who challenges you even if it is annoying
8. Exercise iron clad personal discipline when it comes to self-care
9. Practice self-control so that you can respond instead of react
10. Do the hard things first
11. Mean what you say, say what you mean
12. Do what you say you are going to do
13. Be crystal clear about your expectations
14. Listen more than you talk
15. Keep learning and growing

Is there anything missing?  Please do add your thoughts!