40 traits of a great manager

Great managers are the cornerstone of any thriving organization. They shape culture, drive engagement, and empower employees to achieve their best. But what makes a manager truly great? Is it their ability to strategize? Their knack for communication? Or is it something more?

At Achievers, we believe greatness starts with recognition. Recognizing the right behaviors, rewarding achievements, and creating an environment where employees feel seen, heard, and appreciated is key to unlocking success. Because when employees know they’re valued, they do their best work. And the best managers? They’re the ones who know how to recognize and elevate their teams, shaping a workforce that drives results.

In this blog, we’ll explore the 40 traits that separate exceptional managers from the rest. Let’s dive in.

The 40 top traits of a great manager

A great manager doesn’t just manage tasks — they lead, inspire, and help employees grow. They cultivate an environment that encourages innovation, accountability, and growth. Whether it’s through providing coaching, recognizing hard work, or adapting to change, great managers know how to shape a team that drives results.

Below are 40 key traits of a great manager, each one contributing to an empowered, high-performing workforce:

1. Technical skills to do the job

A great manager is equipped with the technical expertise to guide their team effectively. Their hands-on knowledge provides credibility and ensures they can support their employees through challenges.

2. Results-oriented

Focusing on results, great managers set clear goals and drive their team toward achieving them. They understand that performance matters, but how you achieve it is just as important.

3. Allows for autonomy and doesn’t micromanage

Empowering employees to take ownership of their tasks fosters a sense of responsibility and trust. Great managers resist the urge to micromanage, offering guidance when necessary, but giving room for independent decision-making.

4. Aptitude for providing coaching

Managers who can coach, not just direct, are invaluable. They help employees upskill, overcome obstacles, and grow into their potential.

5. Clear vision and strategy for the team

A great manager articulates a clear vision and ensures the team is aligned with the broader company goals. Strategy and vision create a roadmap that guides daily work, helping employees stay on track.

6. Strong communicator

Being able to clearly and effectively communicate expectations, feedback, and goals is vital. Great managers are also skilled listeners, fostering an environment where employees feel understood.

7. Empathetic and emotionally intelligent

Empathy allows a manager to understand and address the emotions and challenges their team members face. High emotional intelligence helps build trust and resolve conflicts with compassion.

8. Leads by example

Great managers walk the talk. By modeling the behaviors they expect from others — whether it’s a work ethic, communication style, or approach to conflict — they set the tone for the team.

9. Trustworthy and transparent

Trust is the foundation of any relationship. A great manager builds trust through honesty, clear communication, and transparency, ensuring employees feel confident in their leadership.

10. Recognizes and rewards employees

Recognition is a key motivator. Great managers make it a priority to appreciate employees’ efforts, using both formal and informal methods to celebrate achievements.

11. Encourages professional development

Investing in employees’ growth is a hallmark of great management. These managers provide opportunities for learning and development, helping team members progress in their careers.

12. Resolves conflicts effectively

Conflict is inevitable, but how it’s managed makes all the difference. Great managers address conflicts promptly and fairly, ensuring a peaceful and productive team environment.

13. Adapts to change easily

The ability to pivot when necessary is a crucial trait of a great manager. They embrace change and guide their team through it, ensuring transitions are smooth and effective.

14. Inspires and motivates others

Great managers know how to energize their team. Through encouragement, empowerment, and a clear sense of purpose, they motivate employees to exceed expectations.

15. Listens actively to employees

Active listening fosters mutual respect and trust. A great manager hears what employees are saying — and what they’re not saying — allowing them to respond in meaningful ways.

16. Delegates tasks effectively

Effective delegation is key to managing a team. A great manager matches the right tasks with the right people, empowering them to take ownership and excel.

17. Holds themselves and others accountable

Accountability is crucial for high performance. Great managers hold themselves to the same standards as their team, leading by example and ensuring that everyone stays on track.

18. Makes fair and unbiased decisions

Fairness and impartiality are the cornerstones of a great leader. These managers make decisions based on facts, treating all team members equitably and fostering a positive culture.

19. Encourages innovation and creativity

Great managers create an environment where new ideas are encouraged. They know that innovation drives progress, and they give their team the freedom to think outside the box.

20. Manages time efficiently

Great managers understand the value of time. They prioritize tasks effectively, helping their team stay focused on what matters most while avoiding distractions.

21. Supports work-life balance

Recognizing the importance of balance is a key trait of a great manager. They support flexible schedules and create an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

22. Has a growth mindset

Great managers believe in constant learning and improvement. They foster a growth mindset in their teams, encouraging curiosity and adaptability in the face of challenges.

23. Provides constructive feedback

Feedback, when given correctly, is a tool for growth. Great managers provide feedback that’s actionable, timely, and focused on improvement.

24. Builds a positive team culture

The best managers know that a positive company culture is essential for success. They encourage collaboration, respect, and inclusivity, creating an environment where employees feel valued and engaged.

25. Understands individual strengths and weaknesses

Every team member has unique skills and areas for growth. Great managers understand these nuances and use them to support individual development while optimizing team performance.

26. Manages stress well

Stress is inevitable, but how it’s handled makes all the difference. Great managers stay calm under pressure, modeling resilience and problem-solving for their team.

27. Fosters collaboration and teamwork

Great managers understand that success is built on collaboration. They create an environment where teamwork is encouraged, and diverse perspectives are valued.

28. Demonstrates patience and resilience

Patience is key to managing a diverse team with varying levels of experience and challenges. Resilience allows managers to navigate tough times without losing sight of the bigger picture.

29. Knows how to prioritize tasks

Managers who excel at prioritization make sure the team stays focused on what’s most important. They avoid spreading their team too thin, ensuring critical tasks are handled efficiently.

30. Makes data-driven decisions

Great managers use data to guide decisions, relying on facts and analytics to inform their strategies rather than making guesses or assumptions.

31. Encourages diverse perspectives

Diversity of thought leads to innovation and better decision-making. Great managers actively seek out and value different perspectives, fostering an inclusive and open-minded team culture.

32. Handles crises with composure

During crises, great managers stay composed, offering clear guidance and support to help the team navigate through difficult situations.

33. Develops strong relationships with employees

Building strong relationships is at the heart of great leadership. These managers invest time in getting to know their team members, building trust and loyalty over time.

34. Understands the company’s mission and aligns the team with it

A great manager ensures their team is aligned with the company’s values and mission. They inspire their employees to work towards a shared vision, fostering unity and purpose.

35. Is approachable and accessible

An approachable manager creates a welcoming atmosphere where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and offering feedback.

36. Celebrates team and individual achievements

Celebrating achievements — big and small — is a vital part of maintaining morale. Great managers make sure to recognize both team accomplishments and individual milestones.

37. Promotes psychological safety

Psychological safety is essential for innovation and collaboration. Great managers create an environment where employees feel safe to take risks and share their thoughts without fear of judgment.

38. Shows humility and willingness to learn

Even the best managers know they don’t have all the answers. They show humility, embrace feedback, and continuously seek opportunities to improve their leadership skills.

39. Balances short-term goals with long-term vision

Great managers strike a balance between immediate needs and future growth, ensuring that daily tasks contribute to the bigger picture without sacrificing long-term goals.

40. Champions company values and ethics

A great manager embodies the company’s values and leads with integrity. They hold themselves and their team to the highest ethical standards, ensuring the company’s culture remains strong and consistent.

Bringing it all together: The mark of a truly great manager

Great managers don’t just check boxes — they shape workplace culture, inspire teams, and drive results. They balance strategy with empathy, action with reflection, and leadership with humility. When employees feel seen, heard, and appreciated, they don’t just work harder — they work smarter, with passion and purpose.

And the best managers don’t do it alone. With Achievers, they have the tools to recognize, reward, and engage their teams in meaningful ways. By reinforcing positive behaviors, fostering a culture of appreciation, and driving real results, Achievers helps managers create workplaces where employees thrive — and businesses succeed.

Written by

Kyla Dewar