5 ways to Improve Line Manager Performance

Megan Thompson · January 23, 2023

Line manager performance play a crucial role in the success of any organisation. From leading their teams, and managing performance, to driving results. However, it’s not easy to be an effective line manager. Often, managers are promoted because they excelled in their previous role – not because they have the people skills to motivate, engage and manage a team of people!

Line manager performance: The working landscape

The added pressure of Covid-19, the cost of living crisis and worsening mental health has made the working landscape tougher than ever for line managers. In fact, 25% of line managers reportedly have seen their teams increase in size since before the pandemic, and 43% of managers now have more than 10 people in their team (People Management).

These factors are a significant challenge for even the most skilled and experienced people leaders. To help improve the performance of line managers, here are five tips to keep in mind:

Set clear goals and expectations

Your line managers need to have a clear understanding of what is expected from themselves and their team. This includes both short-term and long-term goals, as well as specific KPIs that will be used to measure performance. By setting clear goals and expectations, line managers are better able to focus on what’s important and make sure that their team is aligned with your organisation’s objectives.

Communicate effectively

Communication is key in any successful relationship, and this is especially true for line managers. They need to be able to clearly convey information to their team, as well as listen and respond to feedback. This includes regular team meetings, 1:1 check-ins, and open channels of communication where team members can voice their concerns and ideas.

By fostering open and effective communication, line managers can build trust and ensure that everyone is working together towards a common goal.

Provide training and development opportunities

Line managers need to be able to lead and manage their teams, but they also need to be able to develop their own skills and knowledge. By providing training and development opportunities, you can help line managers stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices, as well as gain the skills they need to be effective leaders.

This can include everything from in-house training sessions to external workshops, webinars, podcasts and seminars.

Give regular feedback and recognition

Line managers need to be able to provide regular feedback and recognition to their team members. This can include both positive feedback for a job well done, as well as constructive feedback when improvements are needed.

Giving feedback and recognition also reminds team members how their performance is being measured, and helps them to understand what they can do to improve.

Lead by example

All senior leaders need to lead by example, but it is especially important for line managers to do so in all day-to-day interactions with their people. This means that they need to demonstrate the same level of commitment and dedication that they expect from their team.

This can include everything from being on time and meeting deadlines, to being open to feedback and taking regular breaks. By leading by example, line managers can help to create a positive and productive work environment.

The next step to improving line manager performance

Line managers play a critical role in the success of any organisation. By setting clear goals and expectations, communicating effectively, providing training and development opportunities, giving regular feedback and recognition, and leading by example, organisations can help improve the performance of their line managers – and ultimately their teams.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your line managers are able to lead and manage their team effectively, and drive greater business results.

Learn more in our Manager Success Toolkit or book a demo to see how WeThrive can rapidly equip your managers with everything they need to transform their teams.