What Makes a Manager Great

Source: Google Published: February 2018

Source: Google
Published: February 2018

What Makes a Manager Great

Circulated: December 11, 2019

In 2008 a team of Google researchers launched Project Oxygen — an effort to determine what makes a manager great. They learned that eight behaviors are common among the highest performing managers. In 2018, this list expanded to ten.

Note: While Google uncovered what makes a great manager at the company, it doesn’t mean what works for Google managers will work for any organization.

The 10 behaviors of Google’s best managers:

• Is a good coach.

• Empowers team and does not micromanage.

• Creates an inclusive team environment, showing concern for success and well-being.

• Is productive and results-oriented.

• Is a good communicator — listens and shares information.

• Supports career development and discusses performance.

• Has a clear vision/strategy for the team.

• Has key technical skills to help advise the team.

• Collaborates across the company.

• Is a strong decision maker.