A 10 Minute Guide to Brushing Up Your Management Skills

You constantly dream about moving up into a management position. Then you will soon discover that many employers are seeking all the traditional hard skills along with more intangible qualities. Good news for you!  Most of these capabilities are things you can learn with practice.

It is high time to find out what qualifications you need to advance to the C-suite and how to develop those skills.

Hard Skills for Management Positions 

1. Understand finance.  Learn to use accounting information to guide your decision-making as a manager. You need to know how to budget, manage cash flow, read balance sheets, and interpret profit/loss statements.
2. Master operations. The majority of your work will involve planning and organizing the daily workload. Therefore, be prepared to manage projects and address any issues that arise.
3. Study marketing and sales. It is a fact that customers are the lifeblood of any company. Whatever department you work in, you’ll be helping to manage customers and increase sales.
4. Integrate technology. Similarly, technology is an important part of any manager’s job. So, stay updated on developments that impact your industry and take advantage of opportunities for automation.
5. Focus on business performance. Even junior executives may be expected to be savvy about corporate intelligence these days. Be sure that you understand how to set the correct metrics for your company and work towards strategic goals.
   

Soft Skills for Management Positions 

1. Enhance communications. Communication skills build healthy relationships so employees feel valued and strive to do their best. Set clear expectations. Be generous with feedback and praise.
2. Build teams. Your success depends on your whole team, as well as your individual efforts. Therefore, find top talent and encourage them to stay. Learn to build rapport so you know how to inspire each team member. Always be respectful and resolve conflicts promptly.
3. Delegate with ease. Putting a solid team in place gives you room to back off and let them take charge of their own responsibilities. Demonstrate your trust while being accessible to answer questions and talk things over.
4. Give presentations. You’ll probably be called upon to collect and synthesize information for your boss and other stakeholders. Over time, you’ll gain confidence even when you face a tough audience.
5. Commit to excellence. Superior execution is the most dependable way to make you and your business stand out. Become comfortable with constant change and continue to enhance the company.

Tips to Brush up Your Management Skills 

1. Take initiative at work. Use your current position to start climbing up to management levels.  You can ask a coworker if they want assistance with a special project that will give you valuable experience.  You may step up and propose a new initiative to your boss where you can take a leading role.
2. Pursue freelance assignments. Keep an eye out for short-term contract work that you can add to your list of experiences. Just remember to always check your company policies so you can avoid any conflict with your day job.
3. Volunteer your services. Volunteering is much more than stuffing envelopes. You can gain exposure to any area, from public relations to forecasting revenue. You can also get more involved in the local chapter of your professional association or check out charitable organizations and political campaigns you want to support.
4. Continue your education. Go back to school to complete a degree or certificate. Community colleges and university continuing education departments are experts at accommodating professionals who are working and going to school at the same time.
   

A managerial role could be your opportunity to shine. Oversee the work of others and help lead your company to even greater success. Careful planning and focused efforts will enable you to take on greater responsibility, develop your own talents, and coach others, all while living out your dream.