What are management skills and why are they important?

Understanding and displaying good management skills will help to position you for a successful career no matter what level you're starting at. Learn the essential role that good management skills play in the workplace.

Management skills are something that you hear a lot about in the abstract; yet you may find you're at a loss to define what the term really means. In the broadest sense, management skills can be nearly anything that enables you to manage others effectively. While some skills will vary based on your industry, there are several that are universal across nearly every work environment.

Motivation

Managers who can motivate their employees are true assets to their company. This type of interaction not only increases productivity and employee satisfaction, but it sets a good example as well. Hiring managers look for leaders who can spot employees' strengths and encourage them to develop their skill sets. The best managers have a keen eye for areas that could be improved and know how to approach these issues diplomatically so workers feel encouraged to make productive changes, rather than discouraged by their shortcomings.
Important skills in this area include:
Empowering employees to take ownership of projects
Creating an energetic and highly motivated workplace
Showing proper appreciation for employee accomplishments
Supporting coworkers who are under stress
Providing rewards and incentives for outstanding performance

Problem Solving

The right skill set empowers managers to identify, face, and overcome various problems that might arise in the workplace. This first requires outstanding attention to detail. Top managers can spot emerging problems before they're apparent to everyone in the company and identify the root of the trouble. Analytical skills are also important in management. You should know what data is most relevant to your industry, how to gather it, and what the resulting numbers mean.
Highlight these problem-solving skills on your resume:
Demonstrating resourcefulness in the face of a problem
Anticipating potential issues before they arise
Identifying factors contributing to problems
Interpreting critical industry data
Troubleshooting quickly and efficiently

Professionalism

Good managers hold themselves to the highest standards so that their employees will have a clear example of what they should strive for. Integrity, honesty, and professionalism are crucial skills for strong managers. As a leader, it's better to show rather than tell when it comes to work ethic and demeanor. Hiring managers look for job applicants who adhere to a strict moral code and set the right example for others.
Qualities that exude professionalism on a resume include:
Providing exceptional customer service with a professional attitude
Identifying diplomatic solutions to workplace issues
Exhibiting strong moral values
Showing initiative
Attending professional development seminars

Communication

One of the most important responsibilities that managers have is communicating effectively, both with the employees who work under them and with other managers throughout the company. They're part of an intricate web and must act as a strong connection point that bridges the gaps between lower level employees and top brass or between sales, marketing, and production departments.
People skills are crucial. You should be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form. Typo-riddled memos or rushed, confusing meetings won't do. The best managers are always able to send a clear message and share valuable, understandable information that will help get the job done.
Include these types of communication and people skills on your resume:
Drafting clear and concise training materials
Maintaining open lines of communication with co-workers
Negotiating successfully to resolve employee disputes
Encouraging communication among reticent employees
Leading efficient meetings that are both productive and sensitive to time constraints

Technical Skills

Technical skills are more important for low-level managers than for those at the top of the chain. If you're angling for your first managerial spot, it's crucial that you demonstrate a keen understanding of the business as a whole. Many companies promote their managers from within for this very purpose. You can't oversee a team of IT professionals if you're lost when it comes to navigating your company's programming systems. No sales manager can be effective if he doesn't know how to close a sale.
Your industry knowledge and experience should guide all those whom you oversee, helping them to achieve higher levels of success. Managers are often called upon to provide training and coaching for their employees. You should be able to impart useful wisdom and handy trade secrets that will help your team excel.
Make sure hiring managers are aware of your expertise with resume phrases such as these:
Providing customer support Handling data security
Generating reports and drafting presentations with Microsoft Office
Managing website content, social media accounts, or marketing campaigns
Offering technical support to employees and/or customers

Innovation

Innovation is a keyword for nearly every company. Your competitors are always striving to develop the best new products and services ahead of you. Businesses that innovate well stay at the top of the pack, netting new customers with their fresh offerings and keeping existing clients happy with a continuous selection of upgrades. Hiring managers have a keen eye for new hires who will bring different perspectives and new ideas to the company.
Highlight your ability to innovate with these skills:
Developing innovative solutions for customers' needs
Identifying key shortcomings in manufacturing and drafting solutions to boost production
Constructing research models to test new product ideas
Generating fresh ideas for timely marketing campaigns
Redesigning systems for increased productivity or functionality
Including any of the above-mentioned skills on your resume will position you for success in management. This applies both to those who are actively pursuing a managerial position as well as those who are applying for lower level jobs. Highlight all your applicable management skills on your resume no matter what job you're after. Having the solid qualities of a good manager will position you for success at any level of the company.
Management skills are important for many reasons. They position you to act as an effective leader and problem-solver in so many situations. Work on honing these skills and watch how they can impact your job performance and opportunities.