One of the most important aspects of any organisation is its management. A workplace depends on the strength of those in management positions and the management skills they possess. They must effectively communicate with professionals and ensure that the organisation meets its goals and objectives. Roles and responsibilities to be followed by the management may vary depending on which industry they are working in.
The coordination and the administration of various tasks to achieve an end goal is known as management. All these tasks and activities include setting a business strategy, coordinating efforts to achieve goals with the help of the resources available. To be an effective manager, you must develop a set of skills over time. These management skills include planning, communication, and leadership.
It is the act of creating and maintaining an efficient business environment where the members of the organisation can work together.
Common Skills Required by Managers
A manager is responsible for meeting several tasks. Thus, the manager needs to possess a few management skills. Some of these skills that are common across different industries and roles are as follows.
1. Communication skills
Communication involves observations, speaking, and empathising too. A manager needs to have a positive relationship with the team. They should be able to communicate expectations and provide feedback. An effective manager must be able to communicate effectively in all forms of communication, including verbal, written and listening skills as well. To build a successful career in management, you should be able to communicate between the frontline and senior management. A manager should be able to communicate with a wide range of people right from the entry-level employees to the senior managers and CEOs.
To build a relationship of trust between you and your team, you must be able to communicate effectively. Your team should be able to communicate with you comfortably and create a healthy work environment. Small acts of encouragement, such as recognising your team’s efforts, can create a positive workplace environment. Being in the managerial position calls for conveying information between teams effectively and promptly, good communication skills can play an effective role in this situation. Multitasking is a part of being a manager. Being able to manage all the tasks and ensuring that they are met within the time frame is important. A few examples of communication skills are:
- Active listening
- Interpersonal communication
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
- Verbal communication
- Interviewing
- Persuasion
- Public speaking
- Written communication
2. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
The ability of an individual to use knowledge, facts, data to come up with solutions is crucial. A manager should be able to work well under pressure and come up with quick solutions. No matter how big or small the problem is, being able to respond with resilience, and agility is considered to be one among the crucial management skills. You will deal with problems daily, staying calm in this situation and paying attention to detail while thinking creatively will help you in minimising impact and establishing a successful career. Being able to quickly weigh the pros and cons of a situation and implement innovative solutions will help you meet business goals.
Also Read: Digital Marketing Career Path and Salary Trends 2020
3. Leadership skills
They must be able to motivate, encourage, and direct various teams to complete their job effectively and act as a role model. A good manager leads the team. He does not boss them around. A manager should be passionate about their work and define their goals clearly. They should work towards ensuring high motivation in their teams. A few examples of leadership skills are:
- Decisiveness
- Conflict-resolution
- Delegating tasks
- Empathy
- Dependability
- Constructive criticism
- Mentoring
- Task delegation
- Motivating
- Empowerment
- Integrity
- Patience
- Relationship management
- Team building
4. Interpersonal skills
It is a known fact that if you can establish trust and a positive professional relationship with your team, you are going to be a successful manager. Being able to earn the respect of your colleagues while still empathising, listening and understanding them is key. Understanding your team on a personal and professional level while maintaining a professional boundary, through team-building activities will help you become successful as a manager. Emotional intelligence is important as it will help you understand others behaviours, and feelings. Thus, helping you choose the right method to deal with the situation at hand.
5. Forward planning
A manager should be able to plan ahead. Apart from working on the current tasks at hand, it is also important to think of the bigger picture. They must be able to set priorities and work towards reaching the organisational goals. This will, in turn, help you encourage innovation and lead your team to a more productive and profitable future. Keep in mind that a manager should set realistic goals, as they must be able to deliver as promised. Some examples of planning skills are as follows:
- Adaptability
- Brainstorming
- Conflict resolution
- Decision-making
- Flexibility
- Logical thinking
6. Commercial Awareness
Commercial Awareness is a crucial skill that several individuals might be lacking. If you aspire to move forward in your career and advance to managerial positions, it is important to understand the market and how it operates. Learn about the sector that your organisation falls in, identify competitors, learn about any economic issues that may affect your organisation and be aware of the organisation’s aims and objectives. Whether the entertainment industry or finance, a certain amount of knowledge regarding market awareness is essential.
7. Organisation and Delegation
A manager deals with several responsibilities. Thus, having great organisational skills is essential. Overseeing the workload of your team, managing your work, carrying out reviews and appraisals, attending meetings, conducting training sessions are some of the various responsibilities that a manager will deal with. Effectively managing these responsibilities and delegating tasks accordingly, will save time and reduce stress. It also ensures that all deadlines are met. A manager should be able to identify their team’s skills and delegate them accordingly. A few examples of organisational skills are:
- Deadline management
- Time management
- Event coordination
- Goal setting
- Project management
- Office management
- Scheduling
How to Develop Management Skills?
1. Ask for feedback
2. Internships and volunteer opportunities
3. Join student groups
4. Seek opportunities to lead
5. Find a role model
Conclusion
For many individuals in the professional field, reaching a managerial level is a turning point in their career. One of the best ways to ensure your success is to gain the right management skills. Additionally, leadership experience can help you reach your goals. Acquire the skills required and overcome any obstacles, thus, ensuring that you are better equipped to handle a managerial position. You can also upskill with Great Learning’s Management Program and unlock your full potential.
