People Management Skills: Fun, Practical Ways to Bring Out the Best in Your Team

Looking to fire up your team, boost productivity, and make work a whole lot more enjoyable for everyone? Welcome to the world of people management skills. Whether you’re stepping into a management role for the first time or you’ve been at it for years, there’s always something new to learn about bringing out the best in others. In the UK, where teams are as diverse as the weather is unpredictable, getting your people management skills right can be the difference between a team that just gets by and one that truly thrives.

Let’s dive into some fun, down-to-earth, and seriously practical ways to help your team shine. These are tips you can start using today, whether you manage in-person, online, or a bit of both.

Get to Know Your Team (Properly)

Let’s be honest, nobody wants to feel like just another number. Spend time learning what makes your team tick. Have a proper natter, grab a cuppa, and chat about things beyond the to-do list. Find out about their hobbies, families, and what motivates them at work. It’s about building trust, not just ticking boxes.

Try a simple question at your next team meeting: What’s something you wish people understood about your role? You’ll be surprised at the insights you gather, and it opens the door to better communication and empathy across the group.

Set Clear Expectations (and Keep Them Realistic)

Ever left a meeting feeling more confused than when you started? You’re not alone. Clear expectations are the bedrock of good people management. Explain what success looks like for each person and for the team as a whole. Don’t just say do your best, define what best means in your context.

Be realistic too. If targets are always just out of reach, motivation drops quickly. Involve your team in setting goals, so they feel ownership and can flag any potential roadblocks early. When everyone is on the same page, the results speak for themselves.

Give Feedback That Actually Helps

Feedback should be a regular conversation, not a once-a-year event. When you notice something great, say it straight away. If there’s room to improve, approach it with encouragement rather than criticism. Try using the SBI method: Situation, Behaviour, Impact. For example, In yesterday’s meeting (situation), you asked thoughtful questions (behaviour), which helped everyone get clarity (impact).

Encourage your team to give feedback to each other too. It builds confidence and fosters a culture where learning is part of the job, not something to fear.

Celebrate Success (Big and Small)

Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of recognition? Celebrate achievements, whether it’s smashing a major deadline or just making it through a challenging week. Shout outs in meetings, thank you notes, or even a bag of doughnuts can go a long way. Recognition makes people feel valued and boosts morale, especially when things get tough.

Don’t forget the quiet wins, like someone helping a colleague or showing up with a positive attitude. These small moments can be the glue that holds a team together.

Encourage Growth and Self-Development

The best managers help their people grow, not just fill the same role forever. Ask your team what skills they’d love to develop and look for ways to make it happen. This could mean formal training, mentoring, shadowing opportunities, or even letting someone lead a meeting for the first time.

Share resources, recommend books, or point them toward internal opportunities. When people see you’re invested in their future, they’ll give back in loyalty and effort.

Keep Things Fun and Human

Let’s face it, we all spend a lot of our lives at work, so why not make it enjoyable? A bit of humour, a team quiz, or a dress-down Friday can make the workplace feel more relaxed and inclusive. Don’t be afraid to show your personality. When people feel comfortable being themselves, they’re more creative, collaborative, and resilient.

Remember, a happy team is a productive team. It’s not about being the office clown, but about creating an environment where people look forward to coming in every day.

Ready to Boost Your People Management Skills?

Mastering people management is an ongoing journey, but every step you take has a real impact. If you’re ready to supercharge your confidence and become the kind of manager everyone wants to work for, our People Management Skills Training Course is packed with practical tools, lively discussions, and ideas you can use straight away. Let’s build happier, higher-performing teams together!