Skip navigation

5 ways to help your managers step up their games

Transform your management skills using actionable tips – set goals, provide effective feedback, manage strengths, be a coach and enroll in tailored training.

A young man sips his coffee while working on his laptop in a coffee shopA young man sips his coffee while working on his laptop in a coffee shop

Table of contents

Insights from Ellen Raim, Founder of People MatterWe focus more on solving than preventing People problems.

Being a stellar manager is more crucial than ever as we figure out how to incorporate AI into our businesses. In the spirit of fostering a learning culture and driving employee development, we’ve got some actionable tips to help you up your team’s management game with a fresh perspective.

Make sure your managers set meaningful goals.

Ever wondered how to align your team's efforts with organizational goals? Consider having your managers set meaningful goals using the objectives and key results (OKR) framework. 

Meaningful goals help ensure everyone understands their role in the bigger picture. Here's what you can do:

  • Establish qualitative objectives and key results for each team member.
  • Regularly revisit goals and OKRs during performance reviews for progress checks.
  • Implement training on goal setting to align individual goals with company-wide objectives.

Ask your managers to provide more (and better) feedback.

Feedback is a superpower, but not all feedback is created equal. Managers should balance constructive feedback with positive reinforcement to create a supportive environment. Here's your action plan to have managers provide more feedback:

  • Cultivate a feedback culture with a mix of positive and constructive feedback.
  • Offer training on effective feedback techniques to your managers.
  • In parallel, offer career training to your individual contributors, so they’ll be ready to listen.

Have your managers manage to their teams’ strengths.

Strength-based management is a game-changer. Instead of focusing on weaknesses, ask your managers to emphasize showcasing their teams’ strengths for a more engaged and productive workforce. Here's how:

  • Help your managers identify and name individual strengths within your team.
  • Align work assignments with employees' strengths for a fulfilling work experience.
  • Introduce Electives Membership for personalized skill development based on strengths.

Teach your managers to be coaches, not bosses.

Shift your managers from directive mode to coaching mode. Help them empower their teams by asking questions, challenging assumptions and guiding toward independent problem-solving. Your coaching journey starts here:

  • Encourage employees to think through and articulate their approaches.
  • Bolster coaching skills through training for leadership development.
  • Offer culture-building opportunities across the organization.

Learn live. Adapt faster.

Latest resources

Learn more about creating a culture of learning throughout our resources below.

Does leadership training work?
Electives team
 
Mar 4, 2026

Does leadership training work?

Learn what makes leadership training actually rebuild employee confidence—and why generic programs fall short.
Leadership + management
People developing people: Why great mentors bring you in the room with Clari’s Kristina Olney
Electives team
 
Mar 3, 2026

People developing people: Why great mentors bring you in the room with Clari’s Kristina Olney

Kristina Olney shares why HR needs a seat at the table, why training managers before they become managers changes everything and what she learned from an incredible CPO.
People leader interviews
Workplace holidays to celebrate in April
Electives team
 
Feb 27, 2026

Workplace holidays to celebrate in April

A curated catalog of April workplace holidays, including month-long celebrations and a link to our holiday calendar.
Culture + collaboration
Boost your retention rates: The importance of investing in employee development
Electives team
 
Feb 24, 2026

Boost your retention rates: The importance of investing in employee development

Employee retention remains crucial for organizational success. One of the most effective ways to boost retention is investing in employee development. Learn how in 2026.
Learning best practices
10 ways to help the Earth during Earth Month
Electives team
 
Feb 19, 2026

10 ways to help the Earth during Earth Month

April is Earth Month and, along with Earth Day (celebrated on April 22). Here are 10 ways organizations can review and spotlight their efforts to support a healthy environment.
Culture + collaboration
5 ways to help reduce work-related stress for employees
Electives team
 
Feb 18, 2026

5 ways to help reduce work-related stress for employees

Stress Awareness Month (celebrated in April) presents a great opportunity for employers to address factors causing unnecessary stress for employees. Learn 5 practical ways to reduce workplace stress in 2026.
Culture + collaboration

View all posts

ENJOYABLE. EASY. EFFECTIVE.

Learning that works.

With live learning + AI simulations, Electives is a learning platform that makes it easy to design, execute and measure effectiveness.

Request a demo

Request a demo

Learn more

Learn more