Managerial skill

Managerial (management) skill - knowledge and ability to successful execute some specific activities or tasks of managerial job. Managerial skills determine manager's efficiency and quality of work as a result of their employees and technology management to ensure realization of their working duties. This can be both innate and learned. While innate managerial skills should be perceived as a talent, related to a natural gift of person, they can be also acquired through practice required activities and tasks, thanks to that there is always possibility to develop managerial skills through learning and experience as a manager.

Types of managerial skills

According to model proposed by Robert Katz in his work from 1955 "Skills of an effective administrator", there are three dimensions of managerial skills. These are:

• Technical skills - the ability to use tools, methods and technology in a particular specialty,for example knowledge and using computer software packages (such a Microsoft Office package: Excel, Access, Power Point),
• Conceptual skills - mental ability to coordinate and integrate the interests and activities of the organization. It's an ability of abstract thinking, which enable to understand the process in a particular field of work to make better decisions and actions,
• Human skills - the ability to cooperate and make contacts with other people, understand and motivate them what enable to use human potential in the company for better results.

Based on Katz's observations level of importance of each of skills (technical, conceptual, human) is directly correlated with the manager level. According to Katz's theory, these are skills that every manager must have, but the degree of them determine the level of management. In that hierarchy human skills have always same significance while technical skills are most important for first-level managers and from the bottom to higher levels they lose their importance, conceptual skills are most important for top managers, less important for mid-level managers and the least for fist-level managers, so importance of these skills rise going from the bottom to the top of managerial hierarchy.

These three skills are required for successful management as a process. Some authors also mention other skills related to management skills, which are simply part of these primary skills. The most frequently mentioned in publications related to this issue are also:

• interpersonal and communication skills - effective flow of informations thanks to clearly passing ideas and information, but also to receive them.
• decision-making skill - manager's ability to correctly recognize and define problems or possibilities to choose the appropriate mode of action in order to achieve the most favorable results,
• conflict resolution - ability to handle and solve the problems that can appear in a typical workday.

Examples of Managerial skill

• Communication: The ability to effectively communicate with peers, subordinates and superiors is a key managerial skill. This includes being able to listen, understand, engage in constructive dialogue and convey ideas in a way that is understood.
• Goal setting: Managers need to be able to set goals and objectives that are realistic and attainable. They must also be able to monitor progress towards meeting these goals and adjust them as needed.
• Problem solving: Managers must be able to identify and solve problems quickly and effectively. This includes being able to spot potential issues before they arise and determine the best course of action to address them.
• Decision making: Managers must be able to make informed decisions based on data and facts. They must also be able to weigh the benefits and risks of different courses of action and select the most appropriate one.
• Team building: Managers must be able to build effective teams, both in terms of the number of people and their skills. They must be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each team member and assign tasks accordingly.
• Strategic planning: Managers must be able to develop and implement long-term plans and strategies that will help the organization achieve its goals. This includes being able to identify opportunities and threats and make plans to take advantage of them.

Advantages of Managerial skill

Managerial skills provide a variety of advantages for a person in a managerial role. These advantages include:

• Improved decision making - With the right managerial skills, a manager can make decisions faster and more accurately. This can lead to improved efficiency in the workplace, as well as increased profits for the company.
• Ability to motivate and inspire - A manager with strong managerial skills can motivate and inspire their team, leading to higher levels of productivity and better results.
• Strong communication skills - Good communication is essential in any organization, and a manager with strong communication skills can ensure that everyone is on the same page and that everyone's opinions are heard.
• Leadership competence - A manager with good managerial skills can lead their team to success, setting a good example and inspiring their team to strive for excellence.
• Ability to delegate - A manager with strong managerial skills can delegate tasks effectively, ensuring that tasks are completed on time and efficiently.
• Conflict resolution skills - A manager with good managerial skills can effectively manage conflicts and disputes, resolving them quickly and fairly.

Limitations of Managerial skill

Managerial skills are essential for effective management and the successful realization of tasks; however, they are not perfect and come with inherent limitations. These include:

• Lack of experience - Managerial skills can only be effectively developed and honed through experience. Without sufficient experience, managers may make mistakes and lack the necessary expertise to successfully navigate challenging situations.
• Unfamiliarity with technology - As technology advances, managers must stay up-to-date on the latest technological advancements in order to remain competitive and efficient. Without the proper knowledge and skills, managers may be unable to make the most of the technological tools at their disposal.
• Poor communication skills - Effective communication between managers and their employees is essential for successful task execution. Without the ability to effectively communicate their expectations and ideas, managers may struggle to ensure that their instructions are understood and followed.
• Poor organizational skills - Managers are required to juggle multiple tasks and projects at once. Without the proper organizational skills, it can be difficult to keep track of deadlines, prioritize tasks, and ensure that projects are completed in a timely manner.
• Unfamiliarity with the industry - Managers must have a thorough understanding of the industry they are working in. Without an in-depth knowledge of the industry, managers may struggle to make strategic decisions and anticipate potential challenges.

Other approaches related to Managerial skill

Introduction: In addition to the knowledge and ability to successfully execute managerial tasks, there are several other approaches related to managerial skill.

• Strategic Thinking - Strategic thinking is the ability to think critically, analyze information, and formulate strategies to achieve an organization's goals. It involves recognizing patterns from past experiences, understanding current and future trends, and utilizing information to create plans that are beneficial for the organization.
• Communication Skills - Effective communication is an essential part of successful management. This involves being able to communicate clearly and concisely, listen actively, and give and receive feedback. It is important to be able to communicate effectively with employees, customers, and other stakeholders.
• Decision-Making Skills - Decision-making is an important skill for managers, as they are often required to make decisions quickly and accurately. This includes being able to evaluate different options, weigh risks and benefits, and make sound decisions that are in line with the organization's goals.
• Leadership Skills - Managers must be able to lead and motivate their teams, set expectations and standards, and create an environment that encourages collaboration and creativity. Leadership skills include the ability to empower and inspire employees and build trust and loyalty.
• Problem-Solving Skills - Problem-solving is an important skill for managers, as they are often called upon to solve complex problems. This involves being able to identify and analyze problems, develop solutions, and make decisions that are in the best interests of the organization.

Summary: Managerial skills involve more than just the knowledge and ability to successfully execute tasks. Other approaches related to managerial skill include strategic thinking, communication skills, decision-making skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving skills. All of these skills are important for managers to be successful in their roles.

Managerial skill — recommended articles

Organization of managerial work — Organizational culture and project management — Skills development — Change agent roles — Leadership competencies — Team development — Belbin team role inventory — Management by objectives — Ability to work in a team

References

• Aini, Q.(2018), Management Skill and Leadership: A Case Study from Hospital Managers of Charity Business in Health, p. 478-482
• Katz R. L.(1974), Skills of an effective administrator., Harvard Business Review. September-October, p.60-70
• Peterson T.O., Van Fleet D.D.(2004),The ongoing legacy of R.L. Katz
• Pavett C.M., Lau A. W.(1982), Management Roles, Skills, and Effective Performance, p.95-989
• Shamsi, A. (2017), Relationship between Knowledge Management and Managerial Skills: The Role of Creative Thinking., p. 44-51
• Virkus S.(2009), Skills Approach: Robert Katz

Author: Anna Stankowska