People management is one of the most rewarding and, let’s be honest, challenging parts of any manager’s role. Whether you’re leading a fresh-faced team or you’ve inherited a lively bunch with bags of personality, getting the best out of your people is about much more than ticking boxes. In the UK workplace, it’s about being supportive, clear, and just a bit human (with a dash of humour thrown in for good measure). Ready to ditch the stuffy management talk and discover what really works? Let’s dive into some practical, no-nonsense tips to help you become a people manager your team will actually want to follow!
Build Trust by Being Yourself
Trust is the magic ingredient in every great team. If your people trust you, they’ll go the extra mile. Building trust doesn’t mean pretending to be perfect. Be open about your challenges and let your personality shine through. Admit when you don’t know something and celebrate when your team gets it right. Try regular check-ins over a cuppa, share a laugh, and make time for informal chats. People follow managers who are real, not robots!
Give Feedback That Sticks (and Doesn’t Sting)
Feedback is a gift, but only if it’s wrapped the right way. Make feedback part of everyday conversation, not a once-a-year event. Keep it specific and balanced: point out what’s working well, then guide improvements without making it personal. For example, instead of saying ‘You’re always late’, try ‘I’ve noticed the last few reports ran over deadline, let’s work out what’s in the way’. And don’t forget to ask for feedback yourself – it shows you’re open to learning too.
Empower, Don’t Micromanage
No one likes having someone look over their shoulder every five minutes. When you hand over responsibility (with clear expectations), you build confidence and ownership. Start by giving team members small projects or letting them lead parts of meetings. Offer support and guidance, but resist the urge to jump in at every step. If mistakes happen, treat them as learning opportunities – it’s all part of the journey. The best managers grow leaders, not followers.
Keep Communication Clear, Honest and Fun
Great managers make things easy to understand. Ditch the jargon and be clear about what’s expected. Use simple, friendly language – whether you’re giving instructions, talking about goals, or sorting out a disagreement. Mix up your communication style: try quick stand-up meetings, group WhatsApp chats, or even a Friday afternoon quiz. The more open and approachable you are, the more likely your team is to share ideas and concerns (before they become big problems).
Celebrate the Wins – Big and Small
Recognition goes a long way. Don’t wait for annual awards or formal events. Shout out personal achievements in team meetings, send a thank you email, or bring in biscuits when a project wraps up. Celebrate birthdays, work anniversaries, and those ‘just because’ moments that make your team unique. A bit of fun and appreciation creates a positive vibe, keeps morale high, and helps people feel valued (which means they’re more likely to stick around).
Keep Learning – And Encourage Your Team To Do The Same
No manager ever has all the answers, and that’s OK! Show your team that you’re up for learning new skills, whether it’s through training, reading, or just trying something different. Encourage them to share what they learn too. Set aside time for bite-sized learning sessions, swap tips, and invite team members to run short workshops. A culture of learning keeps everyone sharp, adaptable and ready for whatever the world throws at you.
Ready to Build Real People Management Confidence?
Being a great people manager takes practice, patience, and a willingness to try new things. If you want to fast-track your confidence and pick up even more practical skills, our People Management Skills Training Course is the perfect next step. It’s fun, down-to-earth, and packed with real tools you can use straight away. Find out more and book your place here – your team (and your future self) will thank you!
