What makes a great workplace?

Some time ago, Gallup initiated a multi-year workplace satisfaction survey, covering hundreds of thousands of people. They came up with a list of 12 core dimensions that are consistently present in great workplaces. As a manager, get these right, and there is a good chance your people will be very satisfied -

1. I know what is expected of me at work.
2. I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right.
3. At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day.
4. In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work.
5. My supervisor, or someone at work, seems to care about me as a person.
6. There is someone at work who encourages my development.
7. At work, my opinions seem to count.
8. The mission or purpose of my organization makes me feel my job is important.
9. My associates or fellow employees are committed to doing quality work.
10. I have a best friend at work.
11. In the last six months, someone at work has talked to me about my progress.
12. This last year, I have had opportunities at work to learn and grow.

8 Habits of Highly Effective Managers

These were put together by Google. Some good advice...

1. Be a good coach

• Provide specific, constructive feedback, balancing negative and positive
• Have regular one-on-ones, presenting solutions to problems tailored to the employee's strengths

2. Empower your team and don't micro-manage

• Balance giving freedom to your employees while still being available for advice
• Make "stretch" assignments to help them tackle big problems 

3. Express interest in employees' success and well-being

• Get to know your employees as people, with lives outside of work
• Make new folks feel welcome, help ease the transition 

4. Be productive and results-oriented

• Focus on what you want the team to achieve and how employees can help achieve it
• Help the team prioritize work, and make decisions to remove roadblocks

5. Be a good communicator and listen to your team

• Communication is two-way: Both listen and share
• Hold all-hands meetings and be specific about the team's goals
• Encourage open dialogue and listen to the questions and concerns of your employees

6. Help your employees with career development

7. Have a clear vision and strategy for the team 

• Even amid turmoil, keep the team focused on goals and strategy
• Involve the team in setting and evolving the team's vision, goals, and progress 

8. Have key technical skills, so you can help advise the team

• Roll up sleeves and work side-by-side with team, when needed
• Understand the specific challenges of the work