Management is what creates and sustains an organisation. Without good management any business will struggle. The trouble is that there is much to learn. While continued learning is essential there are 10 skills that every manager needs if they are to succeed.
1. Planning
A manager you needs to be competent in business planning, project planning, workload planning and contingency planning.
2. Communication
Communication covers writing, speaking and listening. You must be competent in all 3 areas.
3. Decision Making
You might get a good view sitting on the fence. Your job as a manager is to get results. If you procrastinate and avoid taking decisions, nothing moves forward. You must be willing to take decisions and recognise that you will get a fair share of them wrong.
4. Delegation
We all love doing certain things. Unfortunately as managers it is all too easy to hold on to tasks that they know they should no longer be doing. If you don’t start to delegate, you are likely to end up failing as a manager.
5. Problem Solving
You and your team will encounter problems. Others will look to you as the manager to come up with solutions. Mastering problem solving will differentiate you from the team and show your boss that you can sort things out.
6. Interviewing
Recruitment of staff is probably one of the single biggest financial investments that any business makes. If you don’t have this skill, get some training.
7. Appraisal
Staff appraisal done well is a source of motivation. Make sure that you understand your organisation’s process, are thoroughly prepared and conduct appraisal meetings professionally.
8. Poor Performance Management
Sooner or later you will have an employee who is not performing. Deal with it early on, stating clearly the standards expected, where the employee is falling short and the improvements required. Make sure everything is written down and agreed with the employee. In tricky or complex cases seek advice from the Human Resources Department.
9. Motivating
You are responsible for getting results through others. Keeping the team motivated, even when things are tough is essential. Simple things like saying thank you, praising and being positive can make a huge difference.
10. Finance
While many managers wish that the Finance Department will take care of everything, this is not reality. As a manager you spend lots of company money and may generate some of it. Start by thinking about how your actions and decisions impact on the finances of the business and you will be a step ahead of most.
There are a host of skills to master as a manager. These, in my experience are 10 that you must have to prosper and realise your true potential. What would you add to the list?