Top Managerial Skills (Human Skills)
Introduction
The below table shows the results of a survey which asked the following questions:
"...What are the top three managerial skills you believe are needed to be successful in today's world?..."
Christine Sokolowski, 2023
The answers focused on the importance of human skills.
(source: Christine Sokolowski, 2023)
"...we live in a demanding, complex environment where work conditions and the type of work changes quickly......it has not become easier in the past 10-20 years to cope with these demands. Manager skills and abilities are key to fostering connection, meaningful interactions and to providing the right support beyond traditional job roles......Organisations are just beginning to think more about L&D as a catalyst for building capability-building architectures which can enable social, community-based, peer-to-peer learning and self-guided reflection..."
Detlef Hold as quoted by Christine Sokolowski, 2023
Human skills (top 3)
1. Empathy (it is about connecting with people rather than focusing on numbers, ie inclusion; designing learning experiences that are personal, agile and inclusive; recognising and understanding diverse backgrounds plus different ways of working, ie hybrid)
2. Clear and effective communications (uncertainty, changing dynamics, lack of connection, etc have strained communication, especially feedback; increasing concern about psychological safety; clear communications required around vision, expectations, job descriptions, etc
"...Creating a sense of belonging where employees can contribute, acknowledged and recognised......can foster productivity..."
Detlef Hold as quoted by Christine Sokolowski, 2023)
3. Asking and listening (asking questions rather than giving directives; importance of informal discussions; listening without judgement, ie
"...really listening to listen, not listening to speak..."
Christine Sokolowski, 2023
Coaching and mentoring are an important part of this.)
(for more detail, see elsewhere in the Knowledge Base)
Furthermore,
"... The science of behaviour change tells us that change happens when people repeatedly practice a new skill or behaviour and have time and space to reflect on the impact of that change..."
Jake Calhoun as quoted by Christine Sokolowski, 2023
Summary
Human skills are becoming more important for successful management.