If you wish to succeed as a leader, start by mastering these nine skills of management
If you have talent and do your job well, it is likely that at some point you will be given the responsibility of managing the work of others. However this is something that many of us feel unprepared for. After all, our success is often due to our technical skill, not necessarily our ability to manage.
If you feel uncertain about your managerial abilities, start by reviewing your skills. It is likely you have already developed a good foundation from which to develop, including relationship building, time-management, project management, listening and communication skills. Each of these is essential if you are to become a good manager. You might also look for supervisory training from your organisation.
But be aware that talent, interpersonal competence, and basic supervisory skills are only part of the equation. If you are to succeed as a manager, you must also learn to set direction and then coach and develop your team so that individuals can deliver more, better and quicker. You also need to learn to adapt to change and resolve problems productively.
That's why over the past nine weeks we have outlined nine management skills which go beyond the basics. Once mastered, these skills will ensure that you are not just a good manager, but a fantastic one.
Business Planning There's no point driving your team hard if your efforts do not produce the results the business needs. So to ensure optimum efficiency and productivity, you will need to invest in detailed forward planning so that every activity in your team is aligned with business and strategic goals. Review past success and failures, as well as the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities facing your operation, and plan with these in mind. Then set specific individual goals, time frames, and milestones, and don't forget to review these regularly.
Communicating Direction Without direction, employees may fail to understand the importance of a task, or waste time and energy on the wrong priorities. Therefore you must communicate plans effectively. Don't just tell others how to do a task. Instead, explain the context of your request, the consequences of not acting, and the benefits of taking action. Then ask for input and suggestions, and be willing to modify your approach if necessary. Don't forget to communicate regularly, particularly when changes in direction occur.