Many managers I know, do not really "manage" their team. If you want a team to perform at its best you need to (1) facilitate the individual needs of each member (2) provide knowledge, in other words teach the team the tricks of the trade and (3) make sure that the team spirit is good.
Every individual needs attention. People who report to you need to have the feeling that their manager is available when they need him/her (from now on "him"), that they can share their concerns with him and that the manager provides guidance and support. This is obviously easier said than done. I have one-on-one's with each of my direct reports every two weeks. I use a standard format for these meetings. I have provided them a powerpoint template where they summarize their objectives and status, their achievements of the previous period and their action items going foreward. This also enables me as the manager to track their progress and at the same time documents it beautifully.
The manager should teach their direct reports as much as possible. Although often team members are more knowledgeable about details, a manager should focus on social behaviour, communication and certainly also about the politics in a company. Be open and share also what you are busy with. Provide training opportunities for the team, be really pro-active about this. Pumping knowledge into the team yields a significant return on the investment, always!
Employees are most happy - I believe - if they have a great manager (the boss), if they enjoy the content of their work and they are being appreciated. A manager should reward the team members as best as possible, obviously within the companies directives. Get the best for your team, you are doing that for yourself anyway. Creating a good team spirit is not that difficult. Simple things as having dinner every now and then is usually very much appreciated. You know the saying: the team is a strong as the weakest link.
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