{"id":633,"date":"2024-04-12T10:00:34","date_gmt":"2024-04-12T10:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cube-ld.co.uk\/blog\/?p=633"},"modified":"2025-04-01T12:49:38","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T12:49:38","slug":"how-to-get-the-managerial-balance-right","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cube-ld.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-get-the-managerial-balance-right\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get the managerial balance right"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Navigating the complexities of effective management is a constant balancing act. Whether you&#8217;ve recently stepped into a managerial role, are adjusting to new dynamics with peers, or dealing with challenging team members, diplomacy is key.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you&#8217;ve ever wondered how to tackle a friend&#8217;s underperformance at work or questioned the role of personal likability in professional success, you&#8217;re not alone. These are common challenges faced by managers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In this blog, we\u2019ll explore the balance leaders must maintain \u2013 the sweet spot between keeping professional distance and building meaningful connections with their teams.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The importance of manager-employee relationships<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The core of successful leadership lies in creating strong relationships between managers and employees. These connections impact various organisational aspects, including:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Trust and adaptation to change:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> When employees trust their managers, it helps them deal better with changes at work. This trust creates a friendly environment where people can openly talk and give helpful feedback, making it easier for everyone to adjust to new things<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Motivating work environment:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Good relationships between managers and employees play a big role in making work more enjoyable. This positivity boosts job performance and satisfaction, making employees less likely to leave because they feel valued and supported<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Crucial support system:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Outside of daily tasks, these relationships become an important support system. They act like a shield, assisting employees in dealing with work-related stress and nurturing a commitment that contributes to long-term career success<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Innovation and productivity:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> A positive and collaborative environment, created by strong manager-employee connections, naturally promotes innovation and increased productivity. This teamwork encourages the sharing of ideas, pushing the organisation towards ongoing improvement<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It&#8217;s important to note that, as a leader, not everyone will necessarily like you. The focus should shift towards <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/2021\/09\/youre-a-leader-now-not-everyone-is-going-to-like-you\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">earning respect rather than seeking popularity<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Expectations exchange<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When managers and employees exchange expectations, it&#8217;s more than just a conversation; it&#8217;s a structured, open dialogue. The aim is to align mutual expectations, promote understanding, and enhance communication within the professional relationship. This involves discussing:<\/span><br \/>\n<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Role expectations:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Discussion about specific job responsibilities, tasks, projects, and overall contributions expected from the employe<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Behavioural expectations:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Addressing expected behaviour and conduct, covering communication styles, teamwork, collaboration, and adherence to organisational value<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Performance expectations:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Both parties discuss performance standards, success criteria, key performance indicators, and goals for mutual understanding and commitmen<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Feedback and evaluation:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Conversations about the frequency and format of performance feedback, where managers explain their feedback approach and employees express their preferences<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Areas of development:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Open discussion about areas needing support or improvement, encompassing skill enhancement, training opportunities, and specific areas the employee wishes to develop<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Personal and career aspirations:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Dialogue on the employee&#8217;s personal and career goals, with managers providing insights into growth opportunities and employees expressing their aspirations for personalised career development<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Goldilocks approach to management<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When aiming for managerial balance, consider the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/themindgym.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Goldilocks approach<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Similar to Goldilocks finding the &#8216;just right&#8217; porridge, this method seeks balance in various managerial priorities. For example, on the priority of giving feedback, being too distant (ignoring issues) or too close (overprotective) can be detrimental. The &#8216;just right&#8217; approach involves offering both praise and constructive feedback when necessary, creating a well-rounded and effective managerial style.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Final thoughts on managerial balance<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Achieving managerial balance is closely tied to emotional intelligence. Striking the right balance is an ongoing journey.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you need help addressing your managerial balance, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cube-ld.co.uk\/contact.php\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cube Learning and Development<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> offers customised training and development programs for teams, along with personal coaching for modern leadership and brand improvement. For a no-obligation discussion about this and our other training, contact Chris Burton at 07879 602002.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Navigating the complexities of effective management is a constant balancing act. Whether you&#8217;ve recently stepped into a managerial role, are adjusting to new dynamics with peers, or dealing with challenging team members, diplomacy is key.\u00a0 If you&#8217;ve ever wondered how to tackle a friend&#8217;s underperformance at work or questioned the role of personal likability in professional success, you&#8217;re not alone. These are common challenges faced by managers.\u00a0 In this blog, we\u2019ll explore the balance leaders must maintain \u2013 the sweet spot between keeping professional distance and building meaningful connections with<span class=\"excerpt-hellip\"> [\u2026]<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":631,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[261,47,42,59,60,52],"class_list":["post-633","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-balance","tag-career","tag-management","tag-performance","tag-performance-management","tag-work"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cube-ld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/633","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cube-ld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cube-ld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cube-ld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cube-ld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=633"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/cube-ld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/633\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":636,"href":"https:\/\/cube-ld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/633\/revisions\/636"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cube-ld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/631"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cube-ld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=633"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cube-ld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=633"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cube-ld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=633"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}