FEATURE
The most important skills needed by managers , ranked by popularity , are :
• Leadership skills ( 48 %)
• Verbal communication skills ( 35 %)
• Teamwork skills ( 35 %)
• Empathy ( 30 %)
• Problem-solving skills ( 29 %)
• A strong work ethic ( 21 %)
• Good time management ( 18 %)
• Conflict resolution ( 15 %)
• Written communication skills ( 8 %)
Of course , ‘ leadership skills ’ is an umbrella term that can mean different things to many people . And it can encompass a range of hard skills ( job-related knowledge ) and soft skills – transferable skills that help individuals work and interact with others – such as adaptability , flexibility , communication , teamwork , time management and problem-solving .
“ We ' ve got more generations in the workforce today than we ' ve ever had ,” said Bradley
Burgoyne , Head of Talent at Digits . “ And each group of workers prefers slightly different managerial styles and leadership qualities .
“ Every individual has their expectations about how they want their managers to lead them , coach them , support them , relate to them and empower them . Those skills don ’ t just happen , even the best managers need to receive regular training and development from their employers .”
He added : “ The challenge for HR and L & D teams is to ensure that their training strategy is broad enough to cater to all levels of employees in the organisation because , I think , everyone benefits from leadership or management development .
“ It ’ s important that employers actively listen to their workforce and find out where the skills gaps are – what training do employees think they need ? What training do employees think their managers need and what leadership qualities do they respond best to ? They can then utilise the data to create training
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