Being a manager isn’t just about assigning tasks and meeting deadlines; it’s also about motivating and inspiring team members. It’s about shaping the culture your team experiences every day.
“People rarely quit companies — they quit managers who fail to see and support them as human beings,” says Jonathan Javier, a career consultant and CEO of Wonsulting.
In today’s workplace, where burnout is high and loyalty is low, employees don’t just want competent managers; they also want managers who are approachable and supportive. They want leaders who listen, support and inspire. Research backs this up: a 2021 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that interpersonal skills, such as conflict management and emotional support, improve employee attitudes and performance.
So, how do you become the kind of leader people want to work for? Here are five ways to start.
What makes a great leader?
The best bosses invest in people. They listen, communicate clearly, take accountability and lead with courage and humility. It’s these so-called soft skills that will make you a strong boss.
1. Listen more than you talk
Great managers don’t have all the answers; they ask the right questions. Your job isn’t to solve every problem, but to create space for your team to share ideas, roadblocks and solutions.
“Good leaders actively listen, understand people’s challenges and make space for honest conversations,” says Javier.
To do this, prioritize regular one-on-one meetings and use open-ended questions to dig deeper: What’s working? Where are you stuck? How can I help? Repeat back what you hear and ask thoughtful follow-ups. Listening is one of the most powerful tools a leader has.
2. Always check for understanding
Great bosses don’t just talk, they make sure their message lands. Clear communication helps teams stay aligned, focused and confident in their goals.
“Be explicit about priorities, and ask team members to summarize tasks in their own words,” says Javier. “This is especially important in fast-moving startups.”
Don’t overlook nonverbal cues, either. Research from Harvard Business School suggests that 65% to 93% of communication is nonverbal. If you deliver feedback with your arms crossed or without eye contact, your team may feel dismissed or defensive, even if your words are supportive. Your body language should reinforce clarity and respect.
3. Own your mistakes, and fix them fast
Great bosses aren’t flawless, they’re accountable. While a weak leader dodges blame, a standout one takes responsibility — and action.
“Address issues directly instead of letting them linger. ‘Fail fast,’ and admit mistakes quickly,” says Javier. “Then, share what you’re doing to fix them.”
Say you miss a major project deadline, and the delay affects the entire team. Be transparent about the mistake, acknowledge your role, and offer support to help the team recover. This kind of accountability fosters trust and sets the tone for a workplace culture where honesty and improvement are mutually reinforcing.
4. Make space for risks and reward initiative
Great leaders don’t just talk about courage; they show it through bold decisions, honest feedback and principled action. Creating that kind of environment makes employees more willing to take calculated risks.
Innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe. Research from Embry-Riddle University found that “intelligent risk“, where potential rewards outweigh potential harm, is closely tied to a company’s financial success. By encouraging calculated risks, you open the door to new ideas, smarter processes and better outcomes.
“Celebrate when people take ownership,” Javier adds. “Use those moments as learning opportunities, even when outcomes fall short.”
5. Regularly ask for feedback from your team
Great managers don’t just give feedback, they ask for it. Regularly checking in with your team demonstrates humility, fosters trust and facilitates growth.
Try asking, “What’s one thing I could do better?” This simple question can open the door to honest conversations about your leadership style.
You might gather feedback during quarterly reviews, informal one-on-ones or even a quick Slack exchange. The key is to listen with curiosity — not defensiveness — and follow up with action.
“Good leaders are open to feedback and create space for others to shine,” says Javier. The more you model that mindset, the more your team will thrive.
Good leadership drives real results
Strong leadership doesn’t just boost morale, it drives results. Empathetic managers help reduce turnover, increase engagement and build teams that want to stick around. A 2023 study published in Heliyon found that toxic leadership directly contributes to employee dissatisfaction and high rates of resignation.
If you want to be the kind of manager employees respect and rally behind, embody these five behaviors and lead like someone worth following.
What is USA TODAY Top Workplaces 2025?
If you’re looking for a job with a great manager, we can help. Each year, USA TODAY Top Workplaces, a collaboration between Energage and USA TODAY, ranks organizations across the United States that excel at creating a positive work environment for their employees. Employee feedback determines the winners.
In 2025, over 1,500 companies earned recognition as top workplaces. Check out our overall U.S. rankings. You can also gain insights into more workplace trends and advice by checking out the links below.
