The Four Manager Types and Their Impact on Performance

  • Thursday July 14, 2022
  • Permanence   Remote Work  

What are the four manager types? Why are they important? and how do they impact your team’s performance?

If you lead and advise your teams based on your own expertise and strong track record as an individual contributor you might be destroying value for the team.

In a recent study, Gartner identified four distinct manager types and analyzed their impact on sustainable performance:

Sustainable Performance = Employee Performance + Employee Health

Sustainable performers are 17% more productive and 1.7X more likely to stay at their companies.

The Connector manager type appeared to be most effective in driving sustainable performance.

Connector managers improved employee performance by 26% and tripled the likelihood that their direct reports were high performers.

So, what are the 4 manager styles and their impact?

(1) Manager Style #1: The Connector Manager

 

Creates a positive team environment

Focuses on building quality relationships

Helps employees develop network

 

45% boost on sustainable performance

 

(2) Manager Style #2: The Cheerleader Manager

 

Motivates people to shape own development

Gives positive feedback, avoids criticism

Doesn’t obsess over details

 

Marginal boost (due to positive empowerment) on sustainable performance

 

(3) Manager Style #3: The Always-On Manager

 

Provides frequent or ‘in-the-moment’ feedback / coaching

Directs employee development

 

No impact on sustainable performance

 

(4) Manager Style #4: The Teacher Manager

 

Provides advice based on their own expertise strong track record as individual contributor

Directs employee development

 

Negative impact on sustainable performance

 

Connector managers closely monitor their team’s health and cohesion. They also build a foundation of psychological safety that fosters trust, so that employees are invested in one another’s well-being and success, not just their own. 


Teamraderie experiences can help your managers become better Connectors. Experiences are designed to cultivate a positive team environment and build social ties among team members.

"Connector managers improved employee performance by 26% and tripled the likelihood that their direct reports were high performers."
Example Popular Experiences for Strengthening Connections

A Snack Journey Around the World With Your Team

Includes Kit

Includes Kit

Vegan Option

Vegan Option

International-Ready

International-Ready

25 min
$45/person

Purposeful Painting Exercise for Team Unity

Includes Kit

Includes Kit

International-Ready

International-Ready

01h15m
$90/person

Learn Authentic Communication with Award-Winning Poet IN-Q

International-Ready

International-Ready

01h30m
$3,000 for up to 20 people
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  • Remote Work
  • External Connections
  • Leadership

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