The debate about what makes a great manager has persisted for decades. While many theories focus on personality traits, leadership styles, or strategic thinking, new data reveals a simpler truth: exceptional management comes down to consistent execution of fundamental practices. Our analysis of 869 managers shows dramatic differences in team outcomes between top performers and others—differences that emerge even when all other workplace factors are identical.
The Research
We analyzed managers' daily interactions with their teams over a three-month period, measuring response rates and quality to feedback, recognition frequency, and performance feedback activities. We then correlated these behaviors with three key team outcomes: engagement (DEBI), advocacy (eNPS), and well-being (WHO-5). The analysis included structured data from team feedback platforms, performance reviews, and regular well-being pulse surveys, with 869 managers providing complete data across all metrics.
Key Findings
The results revealed stark contrasts between the top 10% of managers and others. Teams led by top managers showed double the engagement levels, were four times more likely to advocate for their workplace, and reported significantly higher well-being scores. Most strikingly, these differences emerged within the same organization, where compensation, benefits, perks, and work policies were identical for all employees.
The impact of quality management becomes clear when we examine team outcomes. Top managers' teams scored between 55-72 on engagement measures (DEBI), while other teams typically ranged from 19-45. This dramatic difference reflects teams that bring their full energy and attention to work versus those just going through the motions. The quality of manager responses showed the strongest correlation with engagement (r = 0.47), suggesting that thoughtful, actionable responses matter more than mere frequency.
The contrast in employee advocacy was even more dramatic. Teams led by top managers scored between 75-100 on the Net Promoter Score (eNPS), while other teams typically ranged from 0-40. This difference profoundly affects both retention and recruitment—teams that advocate for their workplace naturally attract and retain better talent. Recognition frequency emerged as a key driver here (r = 0.27), indicating that regular acknowledgment of contributions significantly influences how team members view their workplace.
Well-being scores (WHO-5) showed more modest but still significant differences, with top managers' teams scoring 72-85 compared to 57-74 for others. The frequency of manager responses showed the strongest correlation with well-being (r = 0.12), suggesting that consistent communication helps prevent burnout and maintains healthy work patterns.
What Top Managers Do Differently
The data revealed three key behavioral patterns that distinguish exceptional managers. First, they achieve response quality scores twice that of their peers (54.4% vs 36.2%), focusing on understanding and addressing root causes rather than offering superficial replies. They maintain consistently higher response rates (55.9% vs 31.9%), ensuring their teams feel heard and supported.
Second, they make recognition a cornerstone of their management style. Top managers give recognition 2.6 times more frequently than their peers (3.51 vs 1.57 instances per month), and they do so systematically. Their recognition practices cover 59% more team members and occur at 2.3 times more regular intervals, creating a culture where contributions are consistently valued and acknowledged.
Third, they take performance feedback seriously. While only 13.1% of managers actively provide regular feedback, top performers average 1.25 feedback instances per month compared to 0.01 for others. They're three times more active in providing structured feedback sessions and 2.8 times more consistent in following up on progress.
The Myth of Alternative Approaches
A common belief among managers is that they can achieve exceptional results through their own unique management style, often dismissing established best practices. Our data decisively challenges this assumption. Among the managers who didn't engage in these fundamental practices, none—not a single one—achieved the same level of team outcomes as the top 10%.
This finding is particularly significant because it suggests that while there may be many ways to manage, ignoring fundamental practices virtually guarantees suboptimal results. The probability of achieving top-tier results without these basic management behaviors was zero, regardless of other factors or approaches employed.
Implications for Organizations
These findings have several important implications for organizations. First, rather than seeking novel management approaches, organizations should ensure managers excel at basic practices: quality responses to feedback, regular recognition, and consistent performance conversations. The data shows that mastering these fundamentals can lead to 79% higher team engagement, 131% higher workplace advocacy, and 20% better team well-being.
Second, organizations can set clear, measurable standards for management behavior, knowing these correlate strongly with team outcomes. Setting minimum targets for response rates (>50%), recognition frequency (>3/month), and feedback cycles (>1/month) provides a concrete framework for improving management effectiveness.
Third, management development should prioritize these fundamental behaviors, teaching specific techniques for quality responses, effective recognition, and structured feedback. The focus should be on consistency and systematic implementation rather than sporadic excellence.
Looking Ahead
The research demonstrates that great management isn't about innate talent or complex frameworks—it's about consistent execution of fundamental practices. Organizations that help their managers master these basics can expect significant improvements in team engagement, advocacy, and well-being.
Most encouragingly, these improvements don't require special resources or radical changes. They come from behaviors that any manager can learn and implement, creating a clear path forward for organizations looking to enhance their management effectiveness. The key lies not in finding new management theories but in executing proven practices with exceptional consistency and care.
Methodology Note: This study analyzed manager behaviors and team outcomes from September to December 2024, using structured data from team feedback platforms, performance reviews, and well-being surveys. All correlations and comparisons were tested for statistical significance at p < 0.05 level.
