Managing a company and being a leader in our challenging and ever-changing business era can be highly stressful and daunting.
Thus, people in these high-level positions need exceptional managerial skills to help them succeed.
But what exactly are managerial skills? And how can you attain these skills?
This article will explain managerial skills, detail the top 8 skills managers need to help their companies remain competitive, and explain how you can obtain these skills if you want to become a manager.
What are managerial skills?
Management skills can be defined as a particular set of capabilities someone in a management position should possess to run a business department effectively.
These skills enable them to perform executive-level tasks so that the company can excel and get through any problems without chaos.
Additionally, these skills help managers relate to their subordinates, creating a far better work environment where processes can run smoothly.
Top 8 managerial skills all managers need
Here’s a list of the eight primary managerial skills that all managers need to succeed in the business environment.
1. Communication skills
Successful managers need good communication skills — both verbal and written.
- Verbal communication for communicating with subordinates, suppliers, co-managers, and customers over the phone or in person.
- Written communication for communicating with them over email, SMS, and online platforms.
Alongside their written communication skills, they must have excellent grammar and spelling skills to ensure that all messages are professional.
Managers with practical communication skills will help avoid confusion, so everyone is on the same page at all times. As a result, processes will run effectively, and their companies will be able to reach new heights.
2. Technical skills
Technical skills refer to the knowledge and proficiency in performing specific methods, procedures, and processes. It involves knowing how to use particular tools, techniques, and software to achieve the best results.
In the same way surgeons have the technical skills to perform effective surgeries, managers need the technical skills to perform business tasks effectively.
E.g. a marketing manager needs to know how to use marketing tools for advertising online and be able to teach these skills to subordinates.
3. Decision-making skills
Managers need to be able to make decisions that’ll benefit the business as a whole and help it attain its goals. This may sometimes involve tough choices, such as letting employees go who aren’t benefiting the company, scrapping a product line, and more.
Having decision-making skills will help managers find opportunities and detect threats and take the appropriate course of action — regardless of how difficult it is.
Sometimes managers will make wrong decisions. This is part of the process. But they need to learn from their mistakes to improve their decision-making skills.
4. Problem-solving skills
Problems often arise in the business world. From a problem with a supplier or a customer to a problem with a production order, many issues will inevitably happen.
An excellent manager knows how to identify these problems and resolve them before any damage can be done.
They need to be able to find the best solutions to these problems — with the least amount of costs, bad press or effect on business processes.
Great managers think ahead, expect risks, and brainstorm solutions to determine the best way to go about resolving these issues.
5. Organisational skills
Managers must be excellent at organising their duties, meetings, and deadlines to ensure all tasks are completed on time.
They have to be able to prioritise tasks from most to least significant since plans often change in the business environment. On top of that, they need to make sure that they allocate adequate time to specific duties so that subordinates have enough time to complete them.
They must also stay calm and maintain a level head during stressful situations.
6. Motivational skills
Motivating team members can make a huge difference in the long run. When subordinates respect their managers and trust them, it creates a positive work environment.
As a result, business operations will run seamlessly since everyone is motivated and willing to go the extra mile.
Unfortunately, studies show that only 53% of employees feel their managers care about their well-being.
Thus, to truly be motivational, managers need to connect with their subordinates. Show interest in their lives, recognise their achievements, actively encourage them, and make them feel valued.
7. Leadership skills
There is a big difference between being a boss and being a leader.
- A boss is someone who gives instructions and watches as their employees do the work.
- A leader is someone who not only gives instructions but also works alongside their subordinates to achieve maximum success. They provide guidance, offer helpful feedback, and do some of the heavy lifting themselves.
Managers tend to have different management styles, but they should always strive to lead by example.
In many ways, leadership skills directly correlate with teamwork skills. When managers are willing to work with their subordinates, they will gain the respect of their associates and will be able to achieve better outcomes.
8. Conceptual skills
The ability to see the “big picture” is essential in any business setting and that’s why it’s one of the top managerial skills. Conceptual skills help managers achieve this.
Good conceptual skills allow managers to visualise the company as a whole and coordinate and integrate different parts to work together to achieve the best outcomes.
As a result, managers will know what tools, resources, and processes the company needs to incorporate into its operations to stand out within its industry.
Study a management course with REGENT
Great managers aren’t born. They are honed through education and experience.
Here at REGENT Business School, we want to help you become an excellent manager by teaching you all the managerial skills you need to succeed.
We have various management courses to choose from based on your needs and career goals. Have a look at our Postgraduate Diploma in Management, Advanced Diploma in Management, Higher Certificate in Business Management and more.
