Management is not just about leadership. This involves the many different skills required to run your sector and deal with any organizational issues that may arise. Large companies employ multiple workforces, and management hierarchies exist to make sure everything goes according to plan. Many people don’t understand this concept, and that’s why it is also one of the most under-recognized positions, especially if we consider the importance of the managerial role in the development of the company.
In this article we list some of the most important skills that will enable managers to lead and set an example for their subordinates.
Ability to communicate
Good managers need a communication expert. Managerial roles come with many responsibilities, some of which are closely related to communication, such as: making all employees feel valued and heard, encouraging trust and hard work, limiting conflict, etc. and effective communication with their employees which should be practiced through several different channels including: email, telephone and Skype conversations, in person, etc.
Some basic rules that all managers need to apply when talking to their subordinates is to first listen, then ask questions and at the end inform employees about the decisions they make or provide them with solutions and answers. The listening part is very important in this equation, especially when employees share ideas or opinions about work processes.
There are many tools that good managers use to improve communication in their sector, which include: positive check-in, open door policies, conflict prevention talks, etc.
Collaboration Skills
According to the resume, every candidate is a team player. Are we all really collaborative? Of course not, some people are individualistic, while others are selfish or one-sided, which is certainly not a characteristic a team player should have. Managers will sometimes end up with these people on their team, and that’s why they need to be as collaborative as possible to show their employees how beneficial this attitude can be. In order to build an effective collaboration culture within their team, managers need to establish several important parameters. They need:
- Develop trust between them and the workers– This can be done by addressing people by name, making small talk, dealing with their requests quickly and effectively, assisting employees when needed, etc.
- Lead a Team by Influencing Others– Managers need to be examples of excellence, both in terms of work and interpersonal relationships.
- Take Advice– Employees are closer to the work process, therefore any suggestions coming from there need to be evaluated and considered.
Computer skill
In the digital age nothing is more important for managers than having good computer skills. They must be aware of new trends in information technology and apply their knowledge to make the work of their subordinates easier. The most basic computer skills including the MS Office suite are essential for any kind of office work from typing business documents to creating complex spreadsheet tables and presentations.
Today most management schools and university courses include this subject in their curricula, but self-minded managers, or long-time school leavers, sometimes need to take specialized courses to address all the challenges that come with business in the digital age. There are many schools and organizations that provide this kind of course. In Australia for example, many managers choose to be present for two days TP3 course thereafter managers became fully educated to use MS Office and many other programs and applications.
Apart from MS Office, managers should also have good knowledge of:
- Quickbooks, or other simple accounting software;
- Search engine;
- cloud applications;
- Work on setting up websites and apps, such as Basecamp or Trello;
- Social networks, including their business use, etc.
By knowing these skills, you will receive more praise from the higher management of the company as well as respect from your subordinates. Good managers learn along with their employees and use every moment to help the company grow. Therefore, these three essential skills should also be used as tools for higher learning and improvement of company business processes.
