Managerial skills and specific contexts

When developing your management skills, remember that the key skills and competencies needed will differ based on your industry. This is why situational awareness is crucial.

For example, managing a large team on a construction site requires different skills than managing a small team of office analysts. Understanding what skills are needed for each role is essential for effective management. It also involves self-awareness and the willingness to seek training in areas where you need improvement.

In the next section, we’ll explore the roles and functions of a manager. While specific tasks may vary by organisation, there are general expectations for the role.

Professor Julian Birkinshaw from the London Business School has written a number of well-renowed books on management.

In the video “Two tips for developing good management skills” by London Business School (2013), Professor Birkinshaw describes the the following important factors that can help in building a strong, cohesive team:

Clear Communication

Emphasise the importance of clear, concise, and effective communication within your team. This includes active listening and providing constructive feedback.

Empathy

Understand and empathise with your team members. Recognise their strengths and weaknesses, and support them in their personal and professional growth.

Consistency

Maintain consistent behavior and expectations. This helps in building trust and reliability within the team.

Adaptibility

Be adaptable to changing circumstances and open to new ideas. This flexibility can help in navigating challenges and fostering innovation.

If you would like to watch the full video, you can find it linked below.

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References

^{Birkinshaw, J. (2013, August 29). Two tips for developing good management skills [Video]. London Business School. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLcgCEbsT08}