Organizations function within a hierarchical structure that begins with the chief executive and extends through the leadership team down to frontline managers. Executive leaders formulate strategies that managers must translate into actionable plans. Frontline managers, being closest to the daily operations, have the greatest influence on operational success. The duties associated with this responsibility are categorized as Operational.

Managers also bear responsibility for the support and wellbeing of their teams. These duties fall under the category of Organizational, relating to people management. Furthermore, while executing these responsibilities, managers are expected to accomplish tasks in the most optimal manner possible. They must fulfill commitments while efficiently managing resources such as time, materials, and personnel. This critical aspect of the managerial role is often overlooked during training.

Summing up what we’ve reviewed so far, here's a concise definition of a manager:

A person who achieve goals through the most effective and efficient use of resources, including a team of people assigned to their care and wellbeing.

Now that we've defined what a manager is, let's describe the two categories by outlining their specific duties.

Here are the primary Operational duties of a manger:

Understand their team’s objectives as required by organizational needs.
Translate those objectives into goals assigned to their team.
Provide the resources needed to achieve these goals.
Develop, assign, and prioritize work (plans, projects, and tasks).
Provide oversight, monitor progress, and ensure the results of work.
Have the foresight and knowledge to step in and aid work completion.
Assist with problem resolution related to work and other team responsibilities.
Monitor & control resources and expenses.
Provide necessary metrics to the team, management, and peers.
Liaise with management, other teams, and stakeholders regarding work related issues.
Proactively consider potential risks to, and opportunities for, the team’s success.

Here are the primary Organizational duties of a manager:

Provide the team with role clarity, ensure they know exactly what is expected.
Provide clear individual goals aligned with organizational objectives.
Provide guidance, motivation, mentoring, and support to team members.
Evaluate and address performance while providing continuous feedback.
Promote a harmonious, positive environment, and demonstrate care for the team’s wellbeing.
Support inclusion, collaboration, diversity.
Help resolve people-related issues and conflicts.
Ensure there are mechanisms for team training and development.
Maintain staffing levels appropriate to workload and considerate of the team’s capabilities.
Facilitate communication with management, other teams, and stakeholders.
Demonstrate support for the organization and its leadership.

If you’re new to management, many of these responsibilities may be unfamiliar. Accepting a managerial role means you'll be handling them every day. While we’ll delve deeper into these duties throughout the course, take a moment now to consider if this is truly the path you want to pursue. If you’re excited about the challenge and eager to develop the necessary skills, that’s a great sign that management could be your calling. However, if you’re feeling unsure or find these tasks overwhelming, take some time to reflect and jot down your concerns. This is an important decision, and one of the goals of this course is to help you gain clarity about whether management is the right fit for you.

If you’re already a manager, note any of these duties you’re not currently performing

Should you be?
Is there a reason you’re not?

Write down any duties that are new to you, as well as duties that you feel you are deficient in. These will be further discussed in the course, and that will help you to understand and address disconnects.

If you have duties that aren’t described, it’s possible you’ve been assigned work that’s unrelated to managing. While It’s normal to share some of the work with your team, duties that aren’t aligned with your goals as a manager are something to be concerned with. Resolving this situation is outside the scope of this course, but you should be discussing it with your boss. Management requires focus, you shouldn’t be pulled in too many other directions.

What is a Manager?