A role model manager is one who inspires those who work for him or her and exhibits managerial excellence in many aspects of the business. While having all the traits of a leadership role model is not very common, the 7 skills listed below can help you lead, inspire and garner respect, and continue to grow and improve as a manager.

1. Present a Positive Attitude

No one is saying that you aren’t allowed to have a bad day now and then, but if you can exhibit strength, calm, and perseverance even during stressful times, you will instill the same within your employees. Your positive attitude is contagious, and it makes your team stronger. A positive team will be better able to troubleshoot problems and overcome adversity in the workplace.

2. Earn and Build Trust

A role model manager must be trustworthy. Your team won’t feel inclined to show you much respect if you aren’t true to your word and honest with your employees. And, keep in mind that building trust takes hard work. You have to earn your employees’ trust through your efforts over time. 

3. Exhibit Integrity

A good manager will make decisions for the betterment of the business as a whole and not just for him or herself. Employees will respect a manager that genuinely cares about the business and those who work within the organization. Take responsibility for your actions and give credit where credit is due. When a team member goes above and beyond to get the job done, reward him or her. Company branded merchandise (SWAG) always makes a memorable gift. Mimeo has a wide selection SWAG, from tote bags, to t-shirts, to caps, and more, that are sure to make any employee feel appreciated and proud to wear your company SWAG.

4. Lead and Inspire

Take care to always lead by example in a responsible manner, and your employees will follow suit. A good leader motivates his team rather than criticizes them and strives to inspire team members to reach their full potential. Remember that leadership role models don’t come to lead overnight. Audit your skills and habits. What do you need to develop? Harvard Business Review suggests acting as an “organizational anthropologist.” Look for a person skilled in the area that you need to develop and learn from them (perhaps they’re even using Mimeo Digital as their Courseware Distribution Platform!). 

5. Make Time for Employees

Effective communication is essential for any organization to run smoothly. Make sure you always have time for employee concerns or questions and offer your advice and wisdom, if applicable. Let them know that you have their best interest in mind by sharing and referring to training manuals, policies and procedures, and employee handbooks. If you need training or other employee materials printed, know that Mimeo offers a variety of options, delivered as soon as the next day.

6. Learn About Your Employees

Your employees are your biggest assets and they have lives outside of the workplace. They have families, interests, and occasionally problems that might interfere with their performance. Take time to get to know them better and plan company activities and outings. Doing so shows that you respect your employees as individuals, both in and out of the workplace.

7. Offer Support and Encouragement

Just as you might have a bad day, so too might some of your employees. Offer support and encouragement by creating a healthy workplace environment and taking the time to understand any difficulties your employees may be having.

All of the above traits combined are what make a role model manager that employees can look up to. Working for such a manager leads employees to strive to do better themselves and positively affects the company as a whole.

Mimeo is here to support you in being a better manager through better print and promotional products. We have been helping businesses print and distribute high-quality training materials for over 20 years. And we’re making teams feel more appreciated, one piece of SWAG at a time.