7 Myths about Being a Manager

**The Myths of Management**Managers are integral to every organization, the leaders inspiring teams toward their best work. But there is so much misunderstanding around their role. Often, because someone was promoted due to their exceptionality, it's then assumed they don't need management training. This leads to some very unfortunate myths we're on a mission to end:### Myth: Team Management = Work Management**Truth:** If your true focus is on building an awesome team, no hovering is required. Enable, develop, and align instead -- an empowered team is an accomplished team.### Myth: Managers are the Mapmakers**Truth:** A course well-tread is one made by all those set out on it. The team vision is exactly that, a team mission, meaning everyone provides input and has buy-in.### Myth: Performance management is scary**Truth:** Sure, there is some truth in this one. But as with any skill, the more you provide constructive criticism and empathetic guidance to your team, the better you all become.### Myth: My team = my friends**Truth:** The average full-time worker spends 2,080 hours annually on the job -- that's a quarter of the year! Forging meaningful relationships develops necessary empathy. ### Myth: Quarterly reviews are enough feedback**Truth:** Those corporate-mandated scheduled sit-downs are simply check-ins for the books. Employee development is best served in the moment, everyday.### Myth: It's all about the metrics**Truth:** Not everything about your team can be measured with a dashboard. Temper productivity goals with humanity -- your team aren't robots, and neither are you.### Myth: Motivation is one-size-fits-all**Truth:** What encourages one employee may be an eye-roll for another. A key part of your role is navigating what makes each person tick and what gets them to really tock.**In addition to these myths, we believe that great team operations are built on:*** **Accountability:** Creating a culture of accountability starts with the team's leaders. When managers hold themselves and their team members accountable, it sets a precedent for the entire organization.* **Transparency:** When everyone is on the same page about what's expected, it creates a sense of trust and collaboration. Managers should be open with their team about their goals, strategies, and decisions.* **Visibility:** When team members know what's going on and how their work fits into the big picture, they're more likely to feel engaged and motivated. Managers should make sure to communicate regularly with their team members and keep them up-to-date on the latest developments.By following these principles, managers can create high-performing teams that are aligned, motivated, and accountable.