What Google Says Makes A Good Manager

The latest issue of Wired UK magazine has a great section on initiatives companies are taking to improve their workplace and culture.

Of note, there's a section on Google's approach to measuring the quality of it's managers.

In 2009 their HR team analysed who were the best and most successful managers and what particular traits they had.  This research led them to conclude that there are 8 behaviours that make a great manager and they measure their managers against these 8 behaviours.

The project was called "Project Oxygen" and they call these 8 traits the "Oxygen Eight"...

1. Be a good coach

2. Don't micromanage

3. Express interest in employees' well-being

4. Be productive and results orientated

5. Listen to your team

6. Help employees' career development

7. Have a clear vision

8. Have key technical skills

Spending one to one time with people and taking a genuine interest in their lives was the single most appreciated trait of a manager by their team.

Here's a report in more detail from the NY Times (2011)