Skip navigation

The essential qualities your managers need for success

Explore the key qualities of good managers, from asking for help to emotional intelligence.

A young man is working on his laptop from a desk in his living room and is smiling.A young man is working on his laptop from a desk in his living room and is smiling.

Table of contents

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

Have you ever wondered what makes a manager outstanding? We’ve identified four key qualities that elevate managers to greatness, especially during times of change (like AI transformation). Plus, we list six actionable strategies People leaders can put in place to elevate their people managers without adding more to their plates.

4 key qualities of an outstanding manager:

A good manager isn't afraid to ask for help.

Great managers know that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. They are comfortable admitting they don't have all the answers, and they model behaviors to create an environment that encourages continuous learning and growth.

A good manager is engaged.

Engagement goes beyond daily tasks — engagement requires a genuine interest in the company's goals and proactive involvement in its success. Exceptional managers actively contribute new ideas, demonstrating a proactive approach to the company's success. Strong managers also expand their horizons by engaging in projects that go beyond their immediate responsibilities, sometimes bridging multiple departments.

A good manager is driven.

Great managers aren't content with doing the bare minimum — they are motivated to do better. Supporting career aspirations is a critical component of a good manager’s leadership style. Outstanding managers allow team members to express and pursue their individual career goals, and they inspire excellence by recognizing and celebrating team members who consistently go the extra mile. 

A good manager has strong emotional intelligence.

In addition to technical skills, good managers have strong emotional intelligence. They demonstrate empathy by building strong relationships and supporting their teams on a personal level. Effective, clear and empathetic communication is a hallmark of good leadership, so strong leaders build the skills necessary to create a positive team dynamic.

A few more thoughts about what makes a manager outstanding:

Here are a few more qualities of outstanding managers:

  • A good manager embraces a growth mindset: They foster a culture that sees challenges as opportunities to grow.
  • A good manager champions inclusivity: They actively work on creating a workplace that values diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • A good manager knows wellbeing matters: They prioritize employee wellbeing through wellness programs and stress management.

Strategies People leaders can quickly put in place to support managers:

  • Offer emotional intelligence and leadership development programs: Provide opportunities for managers to build new skills and enhance their ability to connect with and understand their teams on a deeper level. 
  • Promote continuous learning: Develop training initiatives that instill a culture of continuous learning within the organization.
  • Encourage team collaboration: Create an environment where asking questions and asking for help is seen as a positive thing.
  • Regular team check-ins: Create a space for employees to share ideas and thoughts.
  • Try cross-functional projects: Encourage managers to get involved in projects outside their usual tasks.
  • Recognize the extra effort: Set up programs to acknowledge managers who consistently go above and beyond.

Learn live. Adapt faster.

Latest resources

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

How great leaders keep teams engaged and performing at their best
Electives team
 
Jul 2, 2025

How great leaders keep teams engaged and performing at their best

Employee engagement starts with leadership. Explore practical ways leaders can strengthen motivation, trust, and performance through what they do every day.
Leadership + management
Workplace holidays to celebrate in August
Electives team
 
Jul 1, 2025

Workplace holidays to celebrate in August

We’ve curated a list of holidays for August to keep you in the loop on what’s most commonly celebrated. Plus, download our holiday calendar.
Culture + collaboration
How L&D helps reduce business risk and build resilience
Electives team
 
Jun 26, 2025

How L&D helps reduce business risk and build resilience

Risk doesn’t start with data in a spreadsheet. It starts in how people lead, decide and act. Explore how learning and development helps reduce business risk at every level.
Learning best practices
Collaboration isn’t automatic: How to help teams work better together
Electives team
 
Jun 25, 2025

Collaboration isn’t automatic: How to help teams work better together

When collaboration works, teams move faster. When it doesn’t, everything slows down. Build the skills, tools and habits that help teams work better—wherever they’re based.
Culture + collaboration
Why mentoring is a critical leadership skill (and how to build it)
Electives team
 
Jun 24, 2025

Why mentoring is a critical leadership skill (and how to build it)

Strong mentoring builds better teams, stronger leaders and more resilient organizations. Explore practical ways to help managers mentor more effectively at scale.
Leadership + management
How to build employee connection that drives engagement and performance
Electives team
 
Jun 19, 2025

How to build employee connection that drives engagement and performance

Create a culture where relationships, collaboration and shared learning drive lasting connection and retention.

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