Business Management Skills

What makes a good manager? What is it that makes a manager become a great manager? Here are some skills that are used by sucessful managers

A mark of a good management is the provision of constant motivation to the team to maintain excellence and quality in the required results. A good manager is always looking for ways to improve production and standards. Here are six skills managers can develop to attain quality in the team.

1. Observation

This is an important aspect that often gets neglected due the demands on a manager’s time and schedule. Observation and regular visits to the work environment needs to be scheduled into the calendar. Observing employees work procedures and the work flow is foundational to implementing adjustments to improve results. To have credibility, a manager needs to be seen and be known to be up to date with what is happening in the work place.

2. Monitor Employee Performance

Employee performance needs to be monitored in mutually accepted ways. Policies and procedures need to be clear. Conferencing should be on a regular basis and not just when there is a problem. Assessments and evaluations should not be merely all formality or paperwork to be done. Individual and group conferencing should be undertaken with the expectation of on going professional development. There should be frequent encouragement and clear criteria for on going goals both for the group and individual.

3. Implementation of Professional Development Programs

A good manager evaluates weaknesses and provides training and development strategies to strengthen the weaker skills in the team.

4. Demonstrates Working Knowledge and Expertise

Good management comes from a place of strong knowledge and experience of the production and process leading to results. If managers do not posses all the expertise and knowledge personally they should then hold regular consultations with experts. This is important in order to maintain an accurate and informed overall picture.

5. Good Decision Making

Good management is characterized by the ability to make good decisions. A manage considers all the different factors before making a decision. A clear decision creates confidence in the management.

6. Ability to Conduct and Evaluate Research

On going review and research is vital in order to keep on the cutting edge in business. While managing the present to ensure on going excellence in performance and product, a good manager is also able to look towards the future. Conducting and evaluating research is an important way of planning and being prepared for the future.

Excellent management is always pro active rather than reactive. By developing these six managerial skills a good leader is on the journey to becoming a great leader.

Barbara White