The five duties of a manager

Management at its most basic, is about clarifying an organisation’s purpose and empowering its people to achieve performance.

But what are the key duties of a manager? Here are five, collated from available research and our own management consulting experience.

1. SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Above all else, good managers have the mindset of a servant leader. Placing the needs of the organisation and its people above one’s self. Focusing on what needs to be done, not what one wants to do.

Too often, organisations are misdirected by the ego, passion and affections of their leaders. Personalities and personal preferences rather then authentic purpose.

Servant leadership, on the other hand, demands the right amount of humility to understand the correct direction and the self-confidence and fortitude to pursue it.

2. WATCH & LISTEN

Good managers watch and listen to the what’s happening inside the organisation and, just as importantly, to the outside.

There is a remarkable link between successful managers a…