Google Statisticians Study Performance Reviews for Good Manager Skills; Expertise Is Low on the List
Two years ago, Google asked its statisticians to analyze more than 10,000 performance reviews, feedback surveys and other reports.
The aim was to figure out the characteristics of good managers, the New York Times reports. After gathering more than 10,000 observations about managers, the investigators synthesized the results. The top skills, it turned out, didn’t jive with Google’s approach, which promoted those with great technical expertise into management. The analysts ranked the top eight habits of effective managers, and technical expertise came in last.
Google then used that knowledge, using staff coaches to help managers improve.
The Times lists the top eight good behaviors as:
1) Be a good coach who provides specific, constructive criticism, balancing negative and positive, and holds regular one-on-one meetings with staffers.
2) Don’t micromanage.
3) Express interest in staffers, including their lives outside of work.
4) Be productive and results-oriented, using seniority to remove roadblocks.
5) Be a good communicator, both listening and sharing information.
6) Help your staffers develop their careers.
7) Have a clear vision for your team.
8) Have good technical skills and understand the challenges of the work.
