The Importance of Manager Capacity & Capability Building

Managers in an organization are critical to ensuring that the organizational goals and objectives are achieved. They do this in two parts, firstly the Manager needs the capacity and capability to be able to understand business objectives, assimilate them and then distil them into smaller segments that can be cascaded down to the team they lead without overwhelming them. They must be able to communicate clearly and articulate what is required from the team. Secondly, Managers have to ensure that the team not only has the right tools and resources to deliver on the #business requirements but also is motivated to perform at high levels. The changes that we have seen in the workplace during the past two years and more have taught us that it is no longer business as usual for both the employee and the Manager. The #mentalhealth and #wellbeing of employees and #Managers alike have taken centre stage. While many organizations have risen to the challenge and have started equipping their Managers with skills and tools to manage the employee work performance while monitoring their mental wellbeing, there are still organizations that struggle with striking that balance. This has resulted in increased workplace stress levels, burnout, and work-life balance, especially for Managers. Recent research has shown that while stress and burnout levels for other groups have decreased, Managers’ stress and burnout levels have remained high since the Covid-19 pandemic struck. Organizations need to remember that Managers are also employees. They also need the same support that they are required to give to the teams they lead. If their reserves are depleted, how can they be expected to give what they do not receive? They also need an example to follow on how to best lead a team to achieve results. I have these two questions for you: 1) As an organization, are you providing sufficient guidance, training, and support for your Managers to enable them to provide the same for the employees they manage? If not, what changes do you need to make in your organization to ensure that this takes place? 2) As a Manager, are you getting the required training, guidance, and support to perform your role to the best of your ability? If not, what are you going to do about it?