Line Manager Defined: Role, Key Attributes, Tasks, and Additional Insights
No-nonsense guide to being a line manager, the cat's pajamas in keeping your business running smooth and employees satisfied!
Got a team of humans under your belt? You, my friend, are a line manager! Yeah, that's right, right up there with the CEO in ensuring your business stays operational.
A third of folks out there rate their organization's line manager performance as less than stellar. So, let's get down to business and show you what it takes to be a rockstar line manager.
What the heck is a line manager?
A salt-of-the-earth sort of leader who oversees at least one other employee's day-to-day tasks, providing guidance and support, and serving as a bridge between their team and the bigwigs in the organization. When one of your peeps encounter a hiccup, they come to you first. You, in turn, report back to a higher-up in the company food chain.
Your line manager responsibilities
Though your day-to-day tasks may vary by occupation, you're pretty much guaranteed to be doing some or all of the following:
- Managing employees
- Assisting them in meeting their targets
- Planning employee training
- Mapping out development plans
- Coaching your team
- Connecting with senior management
- Reporting on team performance
- Running team meetings
- Overseeing budget matters
- Approving leave
- Conducting job interviews
- Hiring new team members
Skills that make a kickass line manager
Being a line manager ain't always a walk in the park, especially when you're juggling staff responsibility and your own workload. But it's a rewarding role for someone cut out for it. Here are a few key skills that'll shine in the line manager gig:
- Communication - Strong communication is essential to keep everyone happy and on the same page. Avoid being a terrible communicator by mastering various methods to stay connected with your team and bosses.
- Prioritization - You're responsible for both the day-to-day happenings and the long-term aims. Putting things in order will help hit targets and stay efficient.
- Delegation - Skillfully parceling out work ensures that your team is operating effectively and efficiently. Plus, it leaves you time to handle unexpected surprises.
- Leadership - Inspire trust in your team and lead by example. Be the one they look up to for guidance.
- Analytical Skills - Get cozy with performance data to make informed decisions on a dime.
- Organization - Planning heads, delegating tasks, and time management will keep you in control when things get chaotic.
- Support - Cheer your team on and provide constructive feedback. Encourage them to be their best selves and achieve their goals.
- Honesty - Integrity goes a long way in building trust and respect within the team.
- Trust - Stop the micromanaging madness, and let your team do their jobs. They'll appreciate the trust and perform better as a result.
Tried-and-true tips for being the best line manager
- Listen to your team. Get to know them, understand their goals, and build trust.
- Speak the truth. Be honest with your team consistently, even in tough situations.
- Help your peeps by offering constructive feedback, encouragement, and advice.
- Delegate tasks fairly and with clear direction.
- Take responsibility for the team's performance and work closely with them to tackle challenges.
- Foster growth by guiding employees as they progress in their careers and set goals.
- Invest in yourself. Commit to professional development by attending courses and workshops.
- Evaluate your own skills and continuously strive for improvement.
- Keep an open mind and be open to feedback from both your team and higher-ups.
Are you cut out to be a line manager?
The role of a line manager can be tough, but it's incredibly rewarding when everything clicks. Are you up to the task?
FAQs
Q: What sets a line manager apart from other managers?
A: While managers oversee strategic aspects of a business, a line manager focuses on managing the day-to-day operations of a specific department or team and ensuring that team members meet their goals.
Q: Who is considered higher than a line manager?
A: Middle managers, senior managers, directors, or vice presidents typically rank higher.
Q: What is a good example of a line manager?
A: A production supervisor, a sales manager, or a team leader are all examples of line managers.
In this role as a line manager, you'll find yourself dabbling in both finance and coding, as you oversee budget matters and potentially manage teams responsible for coding tasks. Moreover, being a successful line manager requires leadership and communication skills to inspire your team, delegate tasks appropriately, and make informed decisions based on data analysis. By fostering a positive work environment and providing coaching, you can help your team members excel in their careers, leading to a thriving business and successful careers for all involved.
