Transitioning into a managerial role can be challenging, and new managers often find themselves navigating a range of new responsibilities.
Developing key leadership skills is crucial for success in the role. Here are six essential leadership skills for managers:
1. Effective Communication:
Managers need to communicate clearly and confidently with their team members. This involves not only delivering information but also actively listening to understand the perspectives and concerns of others. Managers must practice open and transparent communication to build trust within their team. Be approachable and encourage feedback to foster a positive and collaborative work environment. Take the approach that all feedback is positive and an opportunity to develop. If Managers are too sensitive to feedback it can inhibit their development.
2. Decision-Making:
Managers often face situations where they need to make timely and well-informed decisions. Developing strong decision-making skills involves considering various options and exploring the best approach to take. Assessing risks, and choosing the best course of action can be challenging, particularly for new managers. Be decisive and take responsibility for your decisions. Learn from both successes and failures to continuously improve your decision-making abilities, ownership of errors and developmental opportunities will ensure managers continue to progress.
3. Delegation:
Effective delegation is crucial for managing workload and ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently. Managers should learn to assess team members’ strengths and weaknesses and delegate tasks accordingly. Providing clear instructions, set expectations, enables Managers to learn to trust their team to deliver. Regularly check in on progress and offer support when needed. It is important not to just abdicate responsibility to your team and ensure the progress checks and support offers are there to enable strong development of your team.
4. Adaptability:
Most business environments are incredibly dynamic, and managers must be adaptable to change. Flexibility in approach, behaviour and strategy is a key to success. This includes being open to new ideas, adjusting strategies when necessary, and staying resilient in the face of challenges. Foster a culture of adaptability within your team and lead by example. Embrace change positively and encourage your team to learn and grow from new experiences.
5. Empathy:
Understanding and empathising with team members is a fundamental aspect of effective leadership. Recognise and appreciate the unique strengths and challenges of each individual on your team. It is important to connect and show genuine concern for the well-being of your team members. Address people empathetically and be supportive in both personal and professional matters.
6. Conflict Resolution:
Conflicts are inevitable in most workplaces. New managers should develop skills in resolving conflicts diplomatically and fairly. This involves active listening, understanding different perspectives, and finding common ground. Implement strategies to prevent and manage conflicts within the team. Foster open communication channels and address issues promptly to maintain a healthy work environment. It is important to take time to understand the views and needs of each party to come to the correct decision on future actions to take.
Continuously honing these leadership skills will contribute to the success of managers and help them build strong, motivated, and high-performing teams.
If you or your leaders and managers would like to learn more about effective leadership and management, why not join us for one of our upcoming ILM Level 3 courses in Leadership and Management. Dates available in March, find out more here; https://www.flagshippartners.co.uk/courses/ilm-level-3/
