What does a good manager do? Is getting positive financial results acceptable if this has a negative impact on the workforce? How important is it to see the big picture, as well as understand the fine detail?

There are no easy answers to these questions. Different circumstances require different solutions. However, there are three key qualities that good managers have:

·         skills and experience relevant to the industry in which they work;

·         an ability to prioritise tasks and achieve goals; and

·         the ability to communicate and motivate a team.

The extent to which these attributes are needed depends on the level of the manager. Focusing on these three areas will help your managers grow and benefit your business.

Why is management training important to a business?

Getting the best from a workforce demands a competent manager – someone who can strike the right balance between the requirements of those they answer to, and those who answer to them.

These skills are often brought to the job as a result of personal qualities or because of previous experience. But these skills can also be taught – and widening your managers' skills is good for business. Not only will they improve, but the morale and output of your staff will increase as well.

Identifying potential among existing employees and training offering management training also allows you to ‘grow your own’ rather than recruiting only ‘ready-made’ managers: not only does this allow you to cultivate the specific skills that your business values, but it also helps you retain talented employees who already familiar with your business. Any investment you make towards their training could be offset by the amount you’ll save in recruitment costs.

Ultimately, developing management and leadership skills can significantly improve the competitiveness and performance of your business.

Types of training available

Some training courses can be done in-house, while others require periods of personal study. Funding for some management training may be available.

Organisational and time management

A successful manager controls their own time at work and organises how time should be used productively by their team. This doesn’t mean micromanaging, but the knowledge required to ensure the smooth-running of their department. Time management is a vital aspect of this and allows managers to plan for and achieve the tasks that are required by the job. It helps them to prioritise, reduce pressures and have time for their own personal development and that of their team members.

Delegation and risk taking

Successful management inevitably involves delegating tasks to other members of the team – and managers should be aware that this does involve a certain amount of risk taking. By delegating to others, a manager trusts that the employee will carry out the work to the required standard, and they must be prepared for the possibility that mistakes will be made. The manager’s reaction when things go wrong will define the relationship they have with their team.

Leadership training

Managers often reach that position because they're good at their job – but that doesn't necessarily mean that they have good managerial skills. Leadership training helps the individual in the management role – to their own advantage and that of the business.

Motivation

The key aspect of employee motivation is getting managers and team members to work together to fulfil the aims of the business. An important element is how team members feel about doing the tasks – ruling with an iron rod may get the job done, but people may have little motivation to carry on doing the job to the required standard. The manager's own enthusiasm and motivation is also important as it has a positive effect on the way in which the whole team approaches and carries out their work.

Communication

One of the main complaints people have about managers is a lack of communication skills. This includes the ability to explain what tasks need to be done, how they are spoken to, and how well they are kept informed about the business itself. A lack of communication can lead to rumours. This causes more problems as people begin to invent the truth, rather than hearing it from their manager. As a result, employees feel unsettled and both morale and motivation fall. Managers should also remember that communication is a two-way process and that it's important to listen to what team members have to say.

Vocational qualifications

NVQ/QCF

New QCF (Qualifications Credit Framework) qualifications have been developed by the Chartered Management Institute to replace National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) at levels 2, 3, 4 and 5 in management and leadership. The level 2 Certificate in Team Leading and the level 3 Certificate in Management are designed for team leaders and managers and include units such as:

·         manage personal development;

·         set objectives and provide support for team members; and

·         lead and manage meetings.

The level 5 and level 7 Diplomas in Management are aimed at developing managers' skills in areas such as personal development and leadership as well as customer and market awareness.

These qualifications enable an individual to progress to other, higher level qualifications.

Certificate in Management Studies (CMS) and Diploma in Management Studies (DMS)

These courses are nationally recognised qualifications designed for practising managers. The CMS introduces a range of management theories and practices aimed at broadening the individual's knowledge of business practices and dealing with management issues. You don't need a degree to take this course, but candidates will be expected to have at least two years’ relevant experience.

Managers may then decide to go on to the DMS. This provides a more in-depth study of topics such as:

·         organisational behaviour;

·         understanding marketing strategies and activities;

·         decision-making; and

·         issues relating to financial performance.

These courses are available at a wide range of colleges around the country.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Business Administration (MBA) courses are for postgraduates and graduate managers with several years' work experience. Courses usually take one or two years to complete and can be studied at colleges around the country, online or through distance learning.

The cost of an MBA can be significant, although some students may be eligible for scholarships or bursaries. Some individuals are sponsored by their employer, which helps with the cost of the course.

Useful sources

Institute of Leadership and Management: www.i-l-m.com

Chartered Management Institute: www.managers.org.uk

Association of MBAs: www.mbaworld.com

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