The role of a manager

The role of a manager is a complex one, encompassing many disciplines.  There are plenty of definitions of the role of a manager.  I still remember the 'planning, controlling, organising and leading' definition in the 1980's when I started my business degree!

Here is the REL (River Empowerment Ltd) take on the role of the manager. The role of any manager has two key dimensions:

1. Interpreter

A manager has to be multilingual.  Their first role is to interpret between the many people they deal with. 

For example, interpreting high level strategy into something meaningful to a team member in relation to their work.  Interpreting customer requirements to your team and clarifying what it means to how they do their work.  Interpreting the needs of your team back to senior management in a way that they will listen and support.  Interpreting operational requirements to key suppliers.

Interpreting and enabling are the key roles of any manager

In being an effective interpreter, a manager facilitates shared understanding and alignment.  You develop increased engagement and improved performance from your team as your team understand their role and importance.  You gain the respect of your own managers as you provide valuable information to the planning of the business, while still delivering on organisational goals.  You retain and grow your customer base through having a team that fully understands the needs of your customers.  And you grow a strong unit that can count on your suppliers understanding and support.

The benefits of being an exceptional interpreter are huge.

2. Enabler

The second job a manager has to do, is enable people to perform.

It is up to the manager to provide the tools, information, environment and people to ensure each and every team member can perform to the best of their ability. 

As a manager, this means ensuring you hire well, communicate clearly and/or develop effective systems.

A manager that is micro managing is failing in their core function of enabling.

Depending on the nature of your management role, this enabling can extend to customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. 

Take the test

So now you know the core roles of a manager how do you think you are faring?

Take our mini management test to find out.

Contact us today if you would like to develop your management skills, or see the dates of our next Managing for Results Training workshop.

Management and Leadership Links

• Managing vs. Leading: is there a difference?
• Why Inspirational Leadership is not Enough
• Are middle managers just puppets on a string?
• How should you spend your time?
• Mini test - Are you doing the right things?
• Is Fire Fighting an Essential Business Skill?
• What do you stand for?
• Got a Tough Decision to Make?
• Must read management books
• Management and Leadership tools

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