10 Good management skills of a great manager

Good management skills are a blend of various competencies that allow individuals to lead, guide, and nurture their teams effectively. Whether it's communication, problem-solving, or adaptability, each skill plays a crucial role in achieving organizational success.

In this article, we’ll explore ten essential management skills that can help you excel in your role.

Good management skills # 1 - Communication Skills

Communication skills are a cornerstone of effective management. They allow managers to convey their vision and goals clearly, inspiring and motivating their teams. Strong communication fosters collaboration, making sure that team members work cohesively toward common objectives.

Managers with good communication skills can resolve conflicts professionally and maintain a harmonious work environment. They make informed decisions efficiently by sharing information effectively.

If you’re looking for some communication skills training courses, check out SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s course library. It contains a ton of communication training materials that you can either immediately deliver to your teams or edit with your own content. And that’s all for free for up to 10 users.

Good management skills # 2-  Leadership Abilities

Leadership involves setting a vision, inspiring others, and guiding them toward that vision. Good managers lead by example, demonstrate integrity, and encourage their team members to reach their full potential.

Effective managers with strong leadership skills guide their teams toward shared goals, fostering cohesion and productivity.

A manager's leadership abilities also play a transformative role in decision-making, as they’re responsible for steering the team in the right direction. Leadership qualities also create a positive work environment that empowers team members to reach their full potential, making it a critical skill for successful management.

Good management skills # 3 - Time Management

Time is a precious resource, and effective managers know how to use it wisely. They prioritize tasks, set goals, and create schedules that maximize productivity and minimize stress.

If your managers excel in time management, you can be sure that tasks and projects are completed on time, enhancing overall team performance. This skill allows leaders to stay organized, meet deadlines consistently, and make the most of limited resources, ultimately contributing to the success of the team and organization.

Good management skills # 4 - Problem-Solving

Every manager encounters challenges. Because of this, having the ability to identify problems, analyze options, and implement effective solutions is crucial. This skill is problem-solving.

Problem-solving skills allow managers to keep operations running smoothly. Thanks to this, they can address issues promptly, preventing them from escalating and disrupting workflow. This skill also allows for a proactive approach to overcoming obstacles, maintaining efficiency, and guaranteeing that the team can adapt to changing circumstances. 

Good management skills # 5 - Decision-Making

Managers often face tough decisions. They must evaluate available information, consider potential outcomes, and make choices that align with organizational goals. That’s why sound decision-making is a hallmark of effective leadership.

Decision-making is a critical management skill because it helps managers guide their teams and organizations toward success. Apart from that, sound judgment guarantees that the choices made are well-informed and have a positive impact on the team and the broader organization.

Good management skills # 6 - Delegation

Nobody likes micromanagers. Apart from making teams feel like they’re not trusted, it also makes workflows inefficient and unproductive. But effective managers know that proper delegation is important.

Delegation not only lightens the manager's load but also empowers team members, promoting skill development and a sense of ownership. It lets them focus on higher-priority tasks while making sure that work is efficiently distributed and completed.

It even promotes teamwork and enhances trust among team members. It also ultimately contributes to increased productivity and the achievement of organizational goals, making it an indispensable aspect of great management.

Good management skills # 7 - Adaptability

As your managers already know, the business landscape is fast-paced and ever-changing. Managers must be adaptive and willing to try new things. Adapting to change, whether it's technological advancements or shifts in market trends, is vital for long-term success.

Being adaptable means being open to new ideas, embracing change, and adjusting strategies to meet evolving challenges and opportunities. It also means being able to lead their teams through periods of uncertainty and innovation, securing your organization’s long-term success. 

Good management skills # 8 - Conflict Resolution

Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace. It can happen for a number of reasons, such as personal differences, miscommunication, and even stress. That’s why good managers are adept at resolving conflicts professionally. They prevent any escalation or disruption in productivity. They mediate disputes and find common ground among team members.

Conflict resolution also demonstrates a manager's leadership and interpersonal abilities. It contributes to a positive work environment where employees feel valued and supported, making it a cornerstone of successful management.

Good management skills # 9 - Motivation

Effective managers inspire their teams, recognize achievements, and create a positive work culture that encourages self-motivation. After all, motivated employees are more productive, loyal, and engaged. 

Some ways your managers can work on increasing their motivational skills are to set clear goals, give regular recognition and rewards, and create a positive work atmosphere that values employees' contributions.

This skill not only boosts morale but also encourages self-motivation among team members, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment. 

Good management skills # 10 - Self-awareness

And of course, last but not least, a good management skill to have is self-awareness. This means having the courage to solicit honest feedback from their teams and colleagues to identify areas for improvement.

Good managers regularly reflect on their performance and make necessary adjustments. When they do, they’re able to refine their management style, leading to more effective leadership. 

It also fosters a commitment to ongoing learning, ultimately enhancing their ability to lead, communicate, and collaborate effectively.

How to build good management skills

Building good managerial skills is a gradual process that involves self-awareness, continuous learning, and practical application. Here are some steps to help you build and improve your leaders’ management skills:

1. Self-Assessment:

Start by evaluating their current strengths and weaknesses as a manager. What are they good at, and where do they need improvement?

2. Set Clear Goals:

Define specific goals for your management skill development. Determine what management skills examples you want your managers to improve and set measurable objectives.

3. Education and Training:

Invest in education and training programs related to management. Consider enrolling your managers in courses, workshops, or seminars that focus on leadership, communication, and other essential good management skills.

4. Read and Stay Informed:

Have them regularly read books, articles, and blogs on management and leadership. Maintain current knowledge of industry developments and best practices.

5. Practice Active Listening:

Improve their communication skills by practicing active listening. Pay close attention to what others are saying, ask clarifying questions, and offer thoughtful responses.

6. Time Management:

Enhance their time management skills by setting priorities, creating schedules, and learning to delegate tasks effectively.

7. Learn from Experience:

Put their business management skills into practice by taking on challenging projects and responsibilities. Learning from real-world experiences is invaluable.

By following these steps and staying committed to your managers’ personal and professional growth, you can build and strengthen their management skills over time. Effective management is a dynamic skill set that evolves with experience and effort.

SC Training (formerly EdApp) is a mobile learning management system designed for today’s digital habits, delivering more engaging and effective micro-learning directly to learners anytime and anywhere.

Sign up for this good management skills training tool today.