Matthew Ziegert is a producing branch manager at Cardinal Financial. Due to the nature of his position, Ziegert is no stranger to knowing what exactly it takes to run a team and ensure the establishment is operating at peak performance. For him, the most crucial part of the entire process is hiring the right candidates and ensuring proper management for each team member.
An employee’s dedication to the company is heavily influenced by how they are managed. Over the years, research has shown that by using the most effective management style for a particular situation or climate, employee morale and performance can be improved. This means that managers must recognize that their management style can impact their team members’ self-esteem and their overall success, either positively or negatively.
When asked about his management style, Ziegert explained that it was inspired by his previous work experiences. “When I was demeaned and yelled at by prior bosses in the past, I realized I do not want to be that kind of leader in the future,” he says.
Ziegert points out that he tries hard to avoid micromanagement. “Many managers don’t actively try to micromanage. Sometimes they just can’t help but take control over every little thing that their team members do. I make sure to analyze my actions and decisions to avoid micromanagement from happening,” Ziegert says. “I don’t look where employees’ feet are. I look for productivity. If the productivity is down or they are not happy, I try my best to help. If the situation is not fixable, I try my best to make sure that we part ways as friends.”
Ziegert also explains that he always tries to lead by example. “I love emotional leaders. People that lead the way by walking the walk and not talking the talk. When people just talk, I immediately shut down and lose interest. When I see someone on the front line with their heart on their sleeve, that motivates me to be by their side,” Ziegert says.
Last but not least, Ziegert believes that positive reinforcement should be an essential part of every manager’s strategy. “Positive reinforcement is an excellent way to recognize your team members’ accomplishments and simultaneously reinforce their self-esteem. This will inevitably have a positive impact on their performance,” Ziegert says.
A successful business means satisfied and motivated staff, and it is up to the managers to incentivize them and ensure that they are content with their work environment. As someone who has helped Cardinal Financial to continually grow and mastered the secrets of becoming a good manager, Ziegert says, “Finding operations staff that matched my goals and visions and who really were all in to get us all to the next level is what allowed Cardinal Financial to grow.”
