Leadership Skills Flashcards
Set objectives
Objectives are goals or activities that need to be completed within a given time frame or by a particular deadline. This could be a 30-second call answering rule in a call centre or a same-day dispatch in a mail order department. Managers must set clear, measurable and achieveable objectives.
Motivator
Managers need to encourage/motvate their employees to perform their jobs well. This may involve praise, constructive feedback, opportunities to learn new skills, ensuring work is interesting and givng them autonomy to complete tasks. A motivated employee who is enthusiastic about their role will be more effective than one who feels undervalued.
Decision maker
Decision making is a key skill, managers will have to:
* identify the issue
* gather information
* weigh up options
* choose the right course of action to suit the circumstances
Decisions may have to be made in difficult situations and sometimes the decisions will not be popular.
Support teamwork
Effective teamworking increases a business’ productivity and performance. A team builder needs to ensure that team members establish good working relationships and are willing to take on responsibilities, while minimising potential conflict. Managers have to accept that they will have to delegate some responibility to the teams, but give them clear instruction and support when it is necessary.
Lead by example
The manager acts as a role model for employees. By setting the right example, the manager shows they have the abilities to do the job and demonstrates that they are in charge and are able to deal with even the most difficult situations.
Consult with others
The manager is recognised as experienced or an authority on a particular area. They are able to give clear and objective views and are used as a primary information source. They do not seek to impose their views but give their opinion when asked. On other occasions, they will need to consult with others, e.g. financial specialists.
Problem solver
A major managerial skill.
The way in which a manager handles a problem will depend on how well they are able to anticipate problems and how responsive they are.
There is no real problem solving model that works in all situations, but the most important thing is for the manager to collect as much information about the problem as possible and then assess, analyse and evaluate that information before attempting to come up with a solution.
Value and support others
An effective manager should always be focused on the opportunity to develop other individuals in the organisation. This means placing a value on others’ opinions and experience, as well as supporting them to develop. This may involve sharing information with their team, having regular conversations about employees’ career goals and interests and asking employees to feed back on progress at regular intervals.
Manage conflict
Conflict may occur within teams and between teams. A good manager may be able to anticipate potential conflict and deal with it before it becomes an issue. Where a conflict arises, a manager will need to listen very carefully and understand both sides before encouraging a resolution or compromise
Build positive interpersonal relationships
Positive interpersonal relationships are the foundation of effective communication and understanding. Relating to others is an important skill to learn. It means being able to be both a leader and someone that is dependable and confident.
Use emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is about being able to understand and manage not only your own emotions but those around you. Those with a high level of emotional intelligence are aware of their own feelings, what they mean and how they can affect others.
Communicator
Communication is an important skill as it means that the manager is not only able to get across orders, instructions and requirements but they are also able to express their ideas, values, vision and opinion.
Individuals learn from communication with their managers, and interaction through verbal communication in particular helps boost morale and loyalty.
Provide feedback
Feedback involves giving an employee a response to a particular activity, conversation or task. It is an ongoing training tool. From feedback, employees learn what they are supposed to do and how they are supposed to do it. Feedback can be negative (-) or positive (+).
+ Feedback
* Builds on the individual’s strengths. They are praised for good performance.
- Feedback
* Involves pointing out what someone has done wrong and how to change it.
