"Great things are not accomplished by those who
yield to trends and fads and popular opinion."

– Jack Kerouac

If you are a manager there is just one thing that you can count on.Everyone has an opinion on how you can do your job better than you currently are. Thousands of books are published every year aimed at telling you what you should know, why you should know it, and how very important it is that you change.All this from people who've never sat a single day in your chair, some of whom have never been managers of any type.Typically, the most popular books of the bunch are introducing a new fad – some untested methodology based on a fleeting industry trend. It is important when reading about the latest managerial fads to take everything with a grain of salt, or better yet don't take it at all – at least not until it has proven to be worth its weight. Like esteemed General Colin Powell said "Don't chase the latest management fads. The situation dictates which approach best accomplishes the team's mission."

That's not to say that high quality books aren't hitting the shelves as well.Much of the information churned out by true experts is solid and valid, if a bit whitewashed for mass appeal. Trumping all of this, however, is an abundance of fantastic skill building available to you that is grounded in research – and tested over time. Here are a few examples of non-fad managerial skills you can work on starting right now:

Focus on Productivity

You walk through the office checking on your employees. Some seem extremely busy, some seem overly relaxed. Some seem to be bogged down and stuck under a dark cloud, and some seem perfectly content. Outwardly you are drawing conclusions on who is being productive and who isn't, and most times you're judging the happiest, most contented employees to be the most productive. But don't be fooled by appearances. Satisfied employees don't necessarily equate to productive employees. Oftentimes managers are asked to "boost morale" in an effort to increase productivity – but that is putting the cart before the horse. Focus should be on increasing productivity which has a much better track record of showing itself to be a precursor of increasing morale. Take steps to ensure that your own efforts are focused on employee production, not employee satisfaction – done properly this will leave you with increases across both spectrums.

Build Rock Solid Trust

Your employees' trust doesn't simply "Come with the job". If you are to gain the buy-in that is the yard stick of your managerial abilities and successes you need to hold the trust that they have for you with care. Abused just once, this trust can be impossible to get back. Research on gaining employee trust shows that the highest focus should be on:

• Telling the Truth – Nothing crumbles the foundations of trust like lying. Be true to your word.
• Equitable Treatment – Don't play favorites. Keep everyone in the same loop
• Don't Keep Secrets – Many times trust is lost based on what employees aren't told
• Show Emotion – Remind employees that you are human too, express feeling when appropriate
• Be Predictable – Whether they like it or not they'll trust you when they know what to expect
• Be Trustworthy – Always keep your employee's confidential information private.

Show Your Charm

Managers are often portrayed as steely, inhuman machines driving only towards the goals laid out in front of them, but think of the managers and leaders who have made an impact on your life.The most successful managers are confident, visionary, and have something to offer beyond the day's work. Managers are change leaders. Managers provide the horsepower behind organizational initiatives. And managers are most effective when they show a charismatic side of themselves that spurs people towards a given goal. Think you can't be dynamic? That you either "have it or don't"? Think again. Research shows that with just a few simple and trainable adjustments anyone can significantly boost their "Charisma Quotient"quickly, simply, and powerfully.

• Announce Their Importance – Disengaged employees need to hear that you need them.
• Increase Your Animation – Practice a more engaging vocal tone & better body language.
• Tap Their Emotions – Showing passion for your work is a great way to generate passion in theirs
• Brainstorm Often - Foster interest by discussing unconventional solutions to achieving goals
• Stay Positive – Boost your level of optimism and watch confidence & productivity grow.

As it is with most career aspirations, becoming a more productive manager and better leader is a matter of desire. You won't find a transformative "magic pill" in any book, regardless of the claim. If you would like to improve upon your current skills and abilities as a manager take the time to practice good management behaviors and never stop taking steps forward.Please use the activities and actions steps associated with this article to aid you on your path towards a more fulfilling career for yourself, and those you manage.