My Top Tips for a Successful Career in Management

Hazel Lott-Canning, Senior Mentor and Sales and Marketing Manager at Professional Academy, shares the four leadership principles that have shaped her management career — and how they can help you make your mark in management too.

By Cambridge Professional Academy Published 5 March 2025 4 min read 650 words

My name is Hazel Lott-Canning, and I have spent my career building my skills and experience in management. Whether you are an aspiring manager or considering a career change, I want to share the strategies that have helped me — and how you can make your mark in management too.

My Personal Approach to Leadership

When I first stepped into management, my motivation was financial progression and the opportunity to have my voice heard. However, over time, I realised that the most rewarding part of leadership is seeing people grow — helping them develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence.

Through my experiences, I have learnt that successful management is about balance: fostering independence whilst providing support, setting clear expectations whilst being kind, and always keeping the bigger picture in mind. Here are my top tips for effective leadership, based on what has worked for me.

1. Encourage Independence, but Stay Available

I have found that most employees prefer to get on with their work without constant oversight. That is why I embrace a supportive, laissez-faire management style — I trust my team to do their jobs, but I make sure they know I am always available when they need guidance.

Regular one-to-one meetings provide the structure for important conversations, whether that is offering support, discussing challenges, or giving performance feedback. The key is to empower people whilst ensuring they never feel isolated. Micromanagement erodes trust and creativity; the right level of autonomy builds both.

2. Provide Developmental Feedback with a Bigger Picture in Mind

I believe in giving feedback that helps my team see how their growth contributes to the company's long-term success. No one learns at the same pace, so I focus on being patient and supportive.

When employees understand how their work fits into the bigger picture, they become more engaged in their roles and more motivated to improve. I always aim to create a culture where feedback is seen as an opportunity to grow rather than as criticism — because that shift in perspective changes everything about how people respond to development conversations.

3. Be Patient, Kind, and Set Strong Boundaries

One of the biggest lessons I have learnt is the importance of balancing kindness with authority. I always strive to be approachable and supportive — but I also know that setting clear boundaries is essential. Being too lenient can lead to issues with accountability, whilst being too rigid can demotivate a team.

The best approach is to be firm but fair, creating an environment where employees feel valued and know what is expected of them. Clarity is a kindness in itself — people perform best when they understand the boundaries and expectations they are working within.

4. Face Challenges Head-On and Follow Through

Challenges are inevitable in management, and the best approach is to tackle them directly. Avoiding difficult situations only makes them worse over time. I have learnt that addressing issues head-on — with transparency and confidence — builds trust with my team.

Additionally, following through on commitments is essential. If I say I will do something, I make sure to deliver. This reliability strengthens relationships and sets a standard of accountability that encourages employees to do the same. In my experience, a manager who does what they say they will do earns more respect than one who never sets expectations at all.

5. Keep Learning and Developing Yourself

The best managers are perpetual learners. The landscape of leadership is always evolving — new research, new tools, new ways of thinking about motivation and performance. Staying curious and committed to your own development sends a powerful message to your team: that learning matters at every level, not just at the start of a career.

Whether that is reading, attending professional development events, pursuing a management qualification, or simply reflecting honestly on what is and is not working in your approach — the commitment to keep improving is what separates good managers from truly great ones.

Make Your Mark in Management

For me, effective management is not about controlling every detail — it is about guiding, supporting, and setting a clear vision. By encouraging independence, providing meaningful feedback, and balancing kindness with strong boundaries, I have been able to create a team culture where people feel empowered and motivated to do their best work.

Management is a rewarding career path full of opportunities. Stay informed, challenge yourself to keep growing, and invest in your own development — because your career is in your hands.