What Makes a Great Manager?
A great manager isn’t just someone who gets results—they’re someone who builds a team that thrives. They set the tone, shape the culture, and create an environment where people do their best work.
Consider Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, who transformed the company’s culture from rigid and competitive to one of growth and collaboration. When he first took over in 2014, Microsoft was losing ground to competitors. Instead of focusing solely on products, Nadella focused on people—his leaders, his teams, and their ability to innovate. He encouraged a mindset shift from “know-it-all” to “learn-it-all,” empowering employees to experiment and grow. The result? Microsoft became one of the most valuable companies in the world.
Then there’s Angela Ahrendts, the former CEO of Burberry and later a senior executive at Apple. At Burberry, she revitalized the luxury brand by aligning her team around a clear vision and embracing digital transformation before it was trendy. She understood that a great manager doesn’t just lead people; they inspire them. Her leadership at Apple strengthened the company’s retail presence, proving that even in a tech-driven world, human connection matters.
Closer to the ground, Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks, built an empire by treating employees—whom he calls “partners”—with respect. He was one of the first CEOs to offer healthcare benefits to part-time workers, a move that built loyalty and fueled the company’s explosive growth. Schultz understood that great managers don’t just push for results—they invest in their people.
So, what do these leaders teach us about great management?
They listen – They create open channels for feedback and genuinely care about their team’s concerns.
They set clear expectations – They provide direction but give people the autonomy to do their best work.
They lead with empathy – They see their employees as people, not just resources.
They cultivate a growth mindset – They encourage learning, adaptation, and innovation.
They inspire action – They create a vision that people want to be part of.
A great manager isn’t defined by a title—it’s defined by impact. The best managers don’t just oversee teams; they build stronger leaders.
What kind of manager do you want to be?