Everything You Need To Be An Effective Manager

Julie Starr • January 8, 2022



Being an effective manager takes continuous learning for you and the people that report to you. Everyone is different, so you need to keep developing your skills in communication, learn to adapt the ways you motivate your team, and improve your working relationships.

Managing people well and making your team members feel as though they are doing a good job is important, but it is also important to put some time into personal progression and developing your team too. Making use of tools like people workflow and performance reviews can make sure you are developing programs in line with career goals. Here are some tips for becoming a more effective manager, for you, your company, and your team. 

Communicate Clearly

When leaders are able to communicate well, they are better able to manage their teams. It’s easier to delegate tasks, manage conflict, motivate, and build relationships when you can communicate well. Strong communication is about more than just speaking to people, but is also about empowering people to speak to each other. 

Listen

A big part of communicating well is about being able to listen. You need to support your employees who work in your team. Being able to listen to them and understand their needs, wants, and concerns are a big part of your role as a manager. Everyone in your team should that they have a voice and that you will listen to them.

Make Decisions

Being able to make decisions is a big part of effective management. Your team will look to you to make decisions on how to progress projects, solve problems, and lead the team towards its goals. Being able to give clear directions to your team and make important decisions can be what sets you apart as a great manager rather than an average one. If you can’t make decisions, you can’t be an effective manager and your team won’t feel confident in you. 

Show Trust In Your Employees

An effective manager has to be able to delegate. You need to distribute tasks to your team as well as make sure that your own time is being used well for management issues and important tasks. If your team feels as though you trust them, they will be better able to achieve their potential and will feel more motivated to make sure they are performing to the best of their ability. In a team, it is important to build a feeling of mutual trust between line managers and team members, as this will help you to delegate more effectively. 

Set A Good Example

Employees want a strong leader that they can respect and emulate. If employees are going to feel this way about you, they need to be able to respect you professionally. By setting a good example, proving your skills and knowledge, and being a high achiever, a manager can get professional respect from their team and make sure their team supports them and their decisions in the workplace. 

Be Open to Feedback 

Many employees are interested in supporting sustainable businesses through personal sustainability programs. Lead by example by setting environmentally responsible practices in the business and educate employees on ways to bring sustainability to their personal life as well.

 

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects.  The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.
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