Google’s Project Oxygen: Do Managers Matter?

In 2002, Google began a research project called Project Oxygen to answer the question, “Do managers matter?” The project team interviewed hundreds of Googlers and analyzed data from millions of performance reviews. They found that the best managers consistently exhibit eight behaviors:

1. **Technical skills**. The best managers have a deep understanding of the products and technologies that their teams work on.
2. **Clarifying expectations**. The best managers set clear goals and expectations for their teams.
3. **Regularly providing feedback**. The best managers provide regular feedback to their teams, both positive and negative.
4. **Coaching and developing employees**. The best managers coach and develop their employees to help them reach their full potential.
5. **Empowering employees**. The best managers empower their employees to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
6. **Being a good role model**. The best managers are good role models for their teams. They are positive, enthusiastic, and committed to excellence.
7. **Building strong relationships**. The best managers build strong relationships with their teams. They are approachable, supportive, and fair.
8. **Creating a positive work environment**. The best managers create a positive work environment where employees feel valued and respected.

The Project Oxygen findings were a surprise to many at Google. The company had long focused on hiring the best technical talent, and it had assumed that managers would be effective simply by virtue of their technical skills. However, the project showed that technical skills are only one part of what makes a great manager. The other seven behaviors are just as important, if not more so.

Google has since implemented a number of changes to its management training and development programs based on the findings of Project Oxygen. The company has also made it easier for employees to provide feedback to their managers. As a result, Google has seen a significant improvement in the quality of its managers.

Project Oxygen is a valuable case study for any organization that wants to improve its management effectiveness. The findings of the project show that managers matter, and that there are specific behaviors that can make managers more effective. By focusing on these behaviors, organizations can create a more positive work environment and improve employee performance.

Here are some additional tips for improving your management skills:

* Be a good listener. One of the most important things you can do as a manager is to listen to your employees. This shows that you value their opinions and that you are interested in what they have to say.
* Be supportive. Employees need to feel supported by their managers in order to be successful. This means providing them with the resources they need to do their jobs, as well as offering encouragement and advice when needed.
* Be fair. Employees need to feel like they are being treated fairly by their managers. This means setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and rewarding employees for their hard work.
* Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan, so it’s important to be flexible and adaptable as a manager. This means being willing to change your plans when necessary and being able to roll with the punches.
* Be positive. A positive attitude can go a long way in the workplace. Employees are more likely to be productive and engaged when they work for a manager who is positive and enthusiastic.

By following these tips, you can improve your management skills and become a more effective leader.