Aha; interesting. Google and Facebook, those tax-dodging behemoths seem to have differing views on employment criteria. While Facebook will obviously employ anyone who has proved themselves to be inconsistent and mendacious (Nick Clegg anyone?) Google prefer to set their sights on drones.
It is often said (apparently) that, ‘people leave managers, not companies’, so Google has set out find out what makes a good manager. Project Oxygen started in 2008, and they have since identified eight behaviours common among their highest performing managers, and began training all managers to develop those behaviours. Over time, Google saw a marked improvement in key metrics such as employee turnover, satisfaction, and performance.
But as the company grew, the demands on managers also increased. Google continued their research. They refined it. They learned more.
“We found that, over time, the qualities of a great manager at Google had grown and evolved with along with the company,” wrote Melissa Harrell and Lauren Barbato earlier this year. Harrell works as a staffing services manager and Barbato as a people analyst.
After taking a second look at its research, Google then “refreshed behaviours according to internal research and Google and [employee] feedback, and put them to the test.”
Here are the 10 behaviours of Google’s best managers, along with some practical tips on how to develop them.
1. Is a good coach
A good coach avoids the trap of solving every problem for their team as soon as it arises.
Rather, they use these problems as teaching moments. They guide and share insights at the right time, letting their team gain valuable experience along the way.
2. Empowers team and does not micromanage
Everybody hates a micromanager. In contrast, a good team leader gives their people enough freedom to explore new ideas, to experiment, and to develop their own working style.
In addition, great managers make sure their people have the tools and flexibility they need to do their jobs.
3. Creates an inclusive team environment, showing concern for success and well-being
Great managers make it a priority to build trust in their teams.
As Google puts it:
In a team with high psychological safety, teammates feel safe to take risks around their team members. They feel confident that no one on the team will embarrass or punish anyone else for admitting a mistake, asking a question, or offering a new idea.
4. Is productive and results-oriented
The best managers make those around them better.
They realise what their teams are capable of, and they use emotional intelligence to motivate their people and help them reach their potential.
5. Is a good communicator – listens and shares information
Great managers are great listeners, which enables understanding. They also share what they can, since transparency is beneficial for the team as a whole.
They share sincere and specific praise, early and often. But they also don’t hold back from giving necessary (negative) feedback; making sure to frame it in a way that is constructive and easy to learn from.
6. Supports career development and discusses performance
Great managers are invested in their people. They provide career path options, not everyone wants to follow the same road.
They also don’t hold their people back for personal gain. Rather, they support team members and help them to reach their goals.
7. Has a clear vision/strategy for the team
Great managers know where they’re going, but they make sure the whole team knows, too,rather than keeping them in the dark.
They are also careful to communicate “scope,” realistic expectations as to what specific actions are needed to execute a strategy, and each team member’s role in delivering.
8. Has key technical skills to help advise the team
Great bosses understand a job well and are skilled at the work they oversee.
If an effective manager is brought into a new department, they take time in the beginning to familiarise themselves with their people’s everyday work and challenges. This earns them the respect of their team.
9. Collaborates across the company
Some managers create silos, running their teams with an “us versus them” mentality, competing against other teams within the company.
Great managers have the ability to see the big picture, and work for the good of a company as a whole.
10. Is a strong decision maker
Great managers take the lead. They make the tough decisions, and make sure everyone understands the reasons behind those decisions.
Then, they commit to following through.
Of course, the first step; identifying effective manager behaviours (and tips for developing them)is easy. Execution is the hard part.
But, according to Google, it is managers like these that will help your people and your company accomplish great things.
