Management Skills That Get You Noticed

There's no shame in admitting your management skills aren't up to par. In fact, there's something exciting about a potential Office Hero who understands they need to grow in order to improve, impress, and inspire. Self-assessment is the first step on the ladder of success and one of the important management skills you need. By spotting opportunities for growth you can work toward becoming the person you want to be (both in your professional and personal life). Not only that, your boss will notice your drive and your work mates will admire your dedication.


Capitalizing on the Need for Effective Management Skills
Now more than ever companies are wanting to promote from within. Doing so eliminates the costly recruitment process and also gives them access to employees that are already on-board and up to speed. As Meghan Bro, Forbes' leadership contributor, recently noted, it takes a new hire up to two years (#1) before they hit the performance level of an insured manager. By promoting from within, companies have access to candidates that help them bridge transitions without missing a beat.

But those employees--the ones who have the management skills to fill leadership openings--are hard to come by. Why? As Victor Lima wrote in Forbes (#2), "the diverse skill sets that go into making someone an effective manager are not always easy to find rolled into one person."

The good news is you can build those attractive skills into your own repertoire. When you showcase them in your everyday performance, your bosses will notice. You'll become one of those sought-after leaders and be the first in line when an opportunity to promote from within arises.

Jumpstart Your Professional and Personal Development

Where should you begin? With the skills you already have! If you want to grow in a professional capacity, you don't have to reinvent the wheel, just build on the foundation that's already there.

We all have an internal perception of our prowess but it's important to know how you're viewed by your work mates. Joseph Dolman(#3), a behavioral statistician, says multiple streams of feedback are essential in order for us to identify potential opportunities and build upon them. "We all need feedback to be successful. We're like a GPS: With only one satellite, the GPS can't predict your location." Dolman continues, stating that "with only self-insight to rely upon, you can't be sure if you're in line to become the Janitor or the CEO.'" Dolman says seeking out feedback, rather than just taking what we're given, is essential for professional growth. Managers, peers, colleagues, and direct reports are all excellent sources of feedback and tapping into them all will give you the variety you need in order to piece together a true account of your current management skills.

But it's also important not to overlook crucial "soft" skills when building your managerial foundation.

Balance AA€Sara€ and AA€Sofia€ Management Skills

On-the-job experience will earn you the technical skills you need to succeed but being a good leader isn't just about technical knowledge. It's about incorporating knowledge with finer "people skills." MAD Office Hero leadership tools can help you develop an appropriate balance of skills (both technical and intangible) and teach you to never stop adapting. Soon you'll be making a difference at your workplace and your boss will notice how you're becoming an Office Superhero - one that's ready to fill the next leadership position that opens up.

#1 http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articled=2961
#2 http://www.forbes.com/sites/Victorian/2013/04/01/why-are-good-managers-hard-to-find-because-so-many-hats-are-worn/
#3 http://www.forbes.com/sites/joefolkman/2013/05/08/workplace-feedback-a-puzzle-a-punishment-or-a-gift/