Having been a manager in three different industries and several companies with varying hierarchies, some with very fixed processes and others with non-existent ones, and working under managers with diverse styles, it is never easy to find your own management style. I have seen colleagues become micro-managers, others pick up the wrong practices and habits from their mentors, and some who became great managers. At RCI, I saw some become excellent managers thanks to the training they received under me (sorry for bragging). However, when I started managing a team in SaaS, I encountered completely different challenges from those I faced in customer service.

I would like to think that thanks to my extensive experience in various companies under great mentors, I was able to develop my own management style, which has served me well throughout my career. Coaching football in my free time has also helped me improve my management style. Facing different types of issues is beneficial. Believe me, it is not an easy process, nor is it ever complete. That’s why I always work on improving myself and becoming a better manager. During this ongoing process, I wanted to share what has worked well for me, so here it is:

Understand Your Values: This is a very important point before you start managing. Your management style should reflect your core values. For me, transparency, integrity, reliability, democracy, open discussion, and empathy are important. Having previously worked in customer service, I focus on customer-centricity and demand that from my team as well. I always try to put the team first, as a happy team delivers happy customers. Don’t forget we are all human and make mistakes, so be as empathetic with your team as you can; it will pay off in the best way possible. Also, never be a micro-manager. If you don’t trust your team, your team will never trust you. Hire smart people and let them do their magic.

Learn from Others: I’ve had the privilege of working under various leaders, each with a unique style. I tried to absorb all the best practices and approaches from them. If I saw a technique, tool, or skill that matched my style, I adopted it. I never shy away from observing or listening to others. There is always someone smarter or more experienced, so pick their brain and learn their secrets. Don’t just read management books and think you can apply all that theory in practice. If it does not match your style, it will look forced, and your team will mock you. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not by following what worked for someone else. Pick and choose based on your own style and values.

Adaptability: If you are not able to adapt, then management is not for you. No company, team, or organization is the same. (Yes, no football team is the same either.) A team is made of individuals, and they are all different. In SaaS management, you need to adapt your tactics, organization, style, and management philosophy to the team you have. You have to be flexible and ready for creative solutions. You also need to listen to the team to understand the issues before solving them. Keep an open mind, and sometimes solutions will come on their own. Remember to stay adaptable.

Empathy: We live in modern times where most of us work remotely, making communication harder. We lost the face-to-face interactions and connections from the office that helped bridge a lot of small issues. Therefore, it is even more important to show empathy to your team. Listen to them and show that you care, and they will give you their best. Remember, you are one team on the same side. Don’t build them up just to bring them down. A confident team is a successful team. Support them and push them to be better. By building their confidence and showing you believe in them, you achieve success and become a better manager.

Continuous Feedback: I regularly seek feedback from my team and my manager/mentor. This has been instrumental in refining my management style, ensuring it remains effective and relevant. Remember, you are only human and can make mistakes, so be humble and take feedback seriously. Always improve small things as soon as possible and break down larger issues to implement improvements step by step. Never lose the mentality that every day is an opportunity to learn and that problems are just opportunities to learn something new. Provide and take feedback as much as possible.

Balance Between Firmness and Flexibility: It’s important to be firm in your convictions and decisions while also being open to different perspectives and needs. This balance is crucial. As a mentor of mine said, you sometimes need to be a dictator, but always be a likeable dictator. Of course, I never encourage dictatorship, but I agree that you need to get buy-in from the team while ensuring follow-up. Always do this in a way that expresses yourself so it doesn’t come across as artificial and forced. Remain true to your actions and words, and the team will follow. Show flexibility to adjust to situations and humility to accept other solutions and opinions when you’ve made a mistake.

Lead by Example: I believe in setting the standard for my team through my actions. This involves being accountable, proactive, and always willing to go the extra mile. As in football coaching, I can’t ask players to do something if I can’t show them how to do it. If you want to be followed, show the team how it’s done. Alexander the Great never lost a battle, but he also always fought with his soldiers from the front line. It is easy for the team to follow you, your instructions, and training if they see you as a knowledgeable and experienced leader who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty.

In conclusion, finding your management style is a personal journey. It involves understanding your strengths, learning from experiences, and being adaptable to meet the diverse needs of the team, the company, and the industry. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Take feedback on board and work on improving daily. Make your journey enjoyable, stay true to your personality and values, and success will follow.

Good luck with the journey, and enjoy it