If your goal is to rise up the ranks in your business, there are some things you should know about how to be a great business manager.

With no more than a cursory glance of the internet, you will find thousands of websites awash with advice about how to be a great business manager. From being the first in the office to the last to leave, they extol the virtues of your employees respecting you and ‘not asking anyone to do something that you wouldn’t do yourself’.

The lists of helpful and not-so-helpful skills are all well and good, but putting them into practice is a slightly more daunting prospect. To rise up the ranks, you need many things: inside knowledge of the business and the market in which you operate, commitment, enthusiasm as well as practical skills such as managing and leading people.

But what does it all really mean?

1.   Business Culture

Any business management course worth its salt will talk about the culture within an organisation. Culture in a business is about its values and behaviours that create the social and psychological environment within it.

In other words, what is it like to work there? Do people respect each other? Is there a divide between ‘the workers’ and ‘the management’? Is there open, clear, straightforward communication? Do people feel valued?

If you want to be an effective leader and manager, rising up the ranks to the dizzying heights of success, the first hurdle is to create an atmosphere – or business culture – that is open and transparent. In most businesses, this starts with improving communication.

2. Manager maturity

This may not be a phrase that you are synonymous with but again, a high-quality business management course will take a long, hard look at the personality of an excellent manager.

Maturity if the keyword. As you climb the ladder, the days of you moaning when things do go right, looking for scapegoats and processes to blame, are GONE. If you cannot align yourself with the corporate direction as a manager, then your employees are not going to either.

3.   Putting the right people in the right jobs

There is a skill and an art to delegation – and yet, so many managers don’t bother to learn how to delegate work.

Get it wrong, and you will have some people with too much to do, others with not enough, some people with work that they have no skills to do and people with specialist skills completing jobs that don’t require their specialisms.

It is not just about matching the right skill set to work that needs doing, but delegating work so people are challenged, as well as having variety and opportunity to develop and grow.

4.   Regular one-to-one’s

Meetings are essential. Yet, regular meetings between staff and their manager are often largely ineffective, poorly structured and frequently re-scheduled.

This means that people pick up the message that there is always something more important. But, top business leaders say that ‘the conversation is the relationship’ and as a manager, you need to ensure that you nurture these conversations. Businesses need great leaders to thrive.

5.   Manage conflict

There is no business in which there is no conflict. It is part and parcel of when a group of people come together. It is what makes us human.

People work well together, but some people don’t. Some people rub along nicely, others rub against each other. What one person will find to be a bubbly personality, another will find abrasive and overbearing.

Some people thrive on conflict, others detest it. If you don’t like conflict, it doesn’t mean you can’t be an effective manager but, as a business management course will highlight, conflict needs to be met, head-on.

But, handling conflict is something that will improve with training as well as experience. As a manager who regularly sees their staff for one-to-one meetings, as well as working hard to create a business culture that is open and transparent, who puts the right people in the right jobs and displays a managerial maturity that garners respect- dealing with conflict may not be something you have to do very often.

In Summary

Being a great manager is, in part, about personality. But it is also about choosing the best way to deal with issues, to balance the wants and needs of your employees with the business, whilst keeping customers and stakeholders happy too.

What managerial skills do you think you need to be a great manager?

Extended reading resource:

Employee management apps

 

Direct training and vocational qualifications are the best, right? Well, not always. The term ‘transferable skill’ comes up often in job descriptions and interviews, but what does it really mean? And where do they come from?

It is the question that fills people with dread when it comes to answering with any conviction: what transferable skills do you have? Understanding what these skills and tools are is essential.

A definition of a transferable skill is an ability that is relevant and helpful across different areas of life, including social, professionally or at school or college. They are skills and abilities that are portable.

Sometimes, they are given ‘fancy’ names but when translated into every day speak, they are more common than you think. You need to make sure you highlight these key skills on your CV, on job applications and during an interview. This is what really tells your potential new employer about the skills and abilities you have.

If you feel like you don’t have enough ‘real world’ or transferable skills, there are many ways you can tackle the issue. From volunteering for a charity to taking up online interest courses such as autism awareness courses, creative writing courses and more. Your options aren’t as limited as they may seem! Taking up things like this will increase your awareness of yourself, and boost skills like communication and problem-solving.

Why transferable skills are important

Not to be confused with soft skills, transferable skills are important because they give you a competitive edge in the marketplace. By highlighting the abilities you bring from other fields of life, you show a potential employer you are;

Transferable Skills: 9 Essential Skills

There is a long, long list of transferable skills, which of these can you tick off? And more importantly, which of these have you included on your CV?

1.  Business strategy

A strategy is the set of objectives that a business has about how it is going to reach its objectives within the pressures and challenges of the marketplace. A business, small or large, will spend many hours creating and implementing its business strategy but a key transferable skill is being able to understand how this strategy is translated into a set of actions.

What did you do to translate a business strategy into actions?

2.  Leadership and team management

Effective leadership is about ‘taking charge’, as well as motivating others to reach their goals and those of a project or business. It means you can manage small group as well as strategize by delegating tasks to people so that the project is accomplished.

These skills are not demonstrated at work, but in other areas too. Volunteering, coaching a local sports team and being involved with community events and projects will all utilise leadership and team management skills. But have you included them in your CV or job application?

3.  Problem-solving

Some problems are easier to solve than others. There are barriers and challenges that can prevent solutions from bearing fruit but as someone with a keen problem-solving ability, you will be able to see the bigger picture.

You may also understand that it is a case of damage limitation as a result of being caught between a rock and a hard place. For example, the winter crisis that hits the NHS is expected and planned for, but inevitably there will be patients disappointed as a result of cancelled operations etc. Problem-solving can be tough.

How well do you think you can see the bigger picture and come up with solutions to problems? How will you tell your potential employer about these experiences?

4. Teamwork

It is a phrase that is used very often – I’m a great team worker! – but what does it actually mean and how do you highlight this transferable skill? You need to give real-life examples of when you were part of a team (try to think of work and social examples) and what you found challenging, as well as rewarding about the experience.

Teamwork can be challenging. What do you think are the qualities of a good team?

5.  Data analysis

Any business, irrespective of sector or industry, will have part of its operation driven by data. Having people who can look at this data and translate what it is actually saying is an essential component of any business. If you have a knack for understanding and deciphering metrics, then you have a transferable skill coveted by many businesses.

Some people are taught how to use and construct databases, but others are self-taught. If this applies to you, you need to be confident you are giving employers this important information on a skill set that you have. Even if you don’t think it is relevant, make sure you highlight it.

6.  Communication

Another standard line in a CV – I’m a great communicator/listener! – and in some ways, you may think this is hard to prove.

But there are some key areas you can highlight: for example, strong writing skills are always useful within a business but highlight how you use written communication from email to copywriting and more.

When it comes to highlighting your communication skills, try to use a solid piece of evidence rather than just highlighting what a great listener you are. Communication is not just about talking.

7.  Time Management

And finally, time management is a key transferable skill and one that many employers look for.

It is a skill that we learn not just in a work setting, but our personal lives as well as social and sporting circles too. But it more than just turning up on time.

When you have many things to do, how do you prioritise tasks? Is it a case of doing those that need doing first or completing those tasks for people who shout the loudest?

Time slips by, no matter what you do to try and stop it. And in essence, time management is about working smarter, not harder. It is also about organisation, another key skill that many employers look for.

When it comes to time management, what examples can you give that show you understand that are many ways of managing time?

8.   The Ability to Listen and Provide Feedback

We have already looked at the transferable skill of communication and how listening forms part of that. But there is another aspect to listening that we sometimes forget about – and that is, giving feedback.

Call it what you what – feedback, constructive criticism, appraisal – there are times when colleagues and staff do need to feedback given to them constructively. Do you know how to do this?

But what about you? When management discuss a new idea, what do you contribute to the debate? Feedback is a multi-headed beast and not one that everyone is comfortable in taming.

We want positive feedback; negative feedback is hard to take, as much as it is hard to deliver. But there are times when it is unavoidable. There are training courses for managers and the like that cover the ‘skill’ of feedback but it is also something that we do in our every day lives, it is just that we don’t see it as the same thing, perhaps.

How can you show that feedback, both positive and negative, is a skill that you use frequently? Feedback ties in with managing situations and trying to improve something or someone. If you coach a sports team, for example, how do you feedback or appraise the performance of their latest game? It is a transferable skill that you probably use more of than you think…

9.  Commercial Awareness

This is about understanding the world around us and how this is changing. As society change, our wants and need change and that affects the marketplace too.

For example, who would have thought years ago that as consumers, we would no longer be buying CDs and DVDs but streaming our films and music via the internet? Some of us would have no idea that this would take place but for some with a sensitivity and a commercial awareness in that specific sector probably would have done.

As a result, they ensured their business was in the right place when the change came. Other companies died away such as the video rental companies that failed to adapt or failed to do so quickly enough.

Showing commercial awareness is about highlighting what you understand to be the challenges and opportunities not just to the brand but to the sector as a whole. But HOW do you understand what these changes are?

These are, of course, just nine examples of transferable skills that employers look for. The key is not to just list them but to show potential employers ‘evidence’ that you have these skills in abundance.

Most industries and businesses are relying on the use of computers for most of their employees these days. There are obviously different levels of computer skills that you could possess.  Not everyone is required to be a computer whizz, but it is almost essential that you have basic computer literacy for all office jobs (and even most non-office jobs these days).

Why do you need computer skills in your workplace?

Computer skills enable a workforce to be much more productive and effective, and they also enable better communication across teams. Basic computer skills mean you know how to:

This is basically mandatory knowledge in any job. Good internet skills are more important than ever in an increasingly internet obsessed world.  If your job is office based, it is likely that using the computer and the internet is part of it. Email is such a huge part of our corporate culture that without knowing how to use it you would be greatly hindered in the communication department.

You’re more likely to get a job if you have computer skills

The ability to use programs such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint or Word gives you an edge over those don’t know how to use them. If you know how to use them at a more advanced level, you may be much more likely to be hired for some jobs.

Job seekers are aware of this and ensure that their computer skills are up to scratch so they can get a job in the company of their choice. It’s relatively easy to take classes for basic and intermediate computer skills these days, and there are plenty of exciting home learning courses you can take to brush up on them. For more advanced training to use more specialized programs and software’s, your workplace may offer you training on the job. It will only benefit them in the long term to have more employees with specialised computer skills.

You’re also more likely to be promoted to higher positions if your computer skills are more specialised. This is another reason why many are encouraged to continue learning about new software and skills. If you possess a good set of computer skills, you can also teach your team members and become a more valued member of the team.

Possessing computer skills enables you to work more effectively

If you know how to use a computer and just some of the millions of different programs or apps, you’re likely to be able to get your work done efficiently and in an organised manner. These programs have been designed specifically for improving our work performance.

Becoming a pro at Excel or PowerPoint will definitely make you a popular member of the team at work. It will also improve the quality of your work, as you will be able to deliver the most professional looking presentations and other outputs of work will be improved and more efficient.

Internet skills can help with communication and access to knowledge

The internet is such a huge part of most of our lives now that those who don’t know how to use it are missing out on communicating with those who spend so much of their time on it. Not only that, you open yourself up to so much information that you previously had limited or no access to. You can basically learn about pretty much anything using the internet, and you can communicate and keep in touch with friends or family that are thousands of miles away with ease. It’s easy to feel like you’re missing out on a whole world if you don’t know how to use the internet!

There is a wealth of free resources available online. It has become so much easier to be able to learn from home and teach yourself about topics or learn skills that you previously might not have been able to. This world of free resources can open so many doors and opportunities for us. It really is essential to have a firm grip of computer and internet skills these days to avoid not missing out on anything!

Public speaking, speeches and presentations can figure largely in many business roles, from marketing to human resources.

While some people look at home standing up in front of people, for others, it is their worst nightmare. For many people, talking in front of a small group of people, let alone hundreds hanging on your every word, is the stuff of phobia and fear.

But you can fear public speaking no more! With this article, you will understand the basics of fantastic presentation skills.

Tips from Seasoned Public Speakers
There are many people who talk in front of others on a regular basis. They make it look easy, but as they will tell you, there are a few basics that everyone adheres to if they want to be successful.

·         Preparation is key
Unless you are a natural stand-up comic, then preparation of your presentation is critical to your success. In fact, even stand-up comedians don’t take the stage without preparing first!

This means not only researching your topic but also creating a question or problem that you will solve through the course of your presentation.

For example, you may want to address ‘how to streamline invoicing’ or discuss the merits of both online and offline marketing for a business.

You need to know your subject matter, both inside out. This way, you will have the background information that you need to answer questions and initiate discussions with your audience.

·         Practice
NEVER turn up at a meeting or presentation without working through your presentation several times in advance.

You may be using paper-based charts or the latest technology and software programs, but whatever you plan on using, practice with them before you take to the ‘stage’.

You will also need to time yourself to make sure that you do not run over your allotted time. There is nothing worse than listening to someone prattle on for 40 minutes when they only had a 10-minute slot.

·         Visual information
Unfortunately, many people use presentation aids in the wrong way. PowerPoint and SlideShare presentations, for example, are there to give your audience key points. And the old adage is true: less is more.

·         Practice speaking
The biggest issue for most people is standing up and speaking effectively. Many students who complete online marketing courses will, as part of future marketing roles, be expected to speak and present marketing ideas at some point.

Public speaking is a skill that comes with experience and practice:

 

 

 

 

 

If presentations and public speaking fill you with fear, you need our Business Marketing Level 2 course where everything is covered, from preparing to delivering a perfect presentation.

Maths and numeracy are two key skills that can significantly boost your chances of getting a job. But why?

Across All Career Choices

Many people fall into the mode of thinking that maths and numeracy are key skills for only a few jobs, such as being a teacher or an accountant. But, math skills are used every day in a wide range of other careers.

For example, a nurse needs to be able to perform simple calculations relating to medication; failure to do so could result in someone being made ill from the wrong dose. Fashion designers, architects, surveyors, butchers, bakers, teaching assistants… you name it! There is not one career that is not informed by the need for a good working knowledge of maths and numeracy.

Now that we have established that Maths knowledge is important across many career areas, we need to look at why. Here are just a few ideas of why maths plays an important daily role in any job you do:

Handling money, giving the correct change, and performing basic mental arithmetic are all essential when it comes to accurately handling money.

Some job roles will involve taking and recording measurements. This can be a pilot working out how much fuel he or she needs to fly across the Atlantic, or a logistic manager working out if they have enough warehouse floor space to accommodate an order.

It could also be the tailor taking measurements for a bespoke suit, or a TA working with children to calculate the mass and volume of various materials. The possibilities are endless.

Maths is about calculating and coming up with precise data. This is never more important than when looking at and reading maps. There are many job roles that require looking at maps and calculating distances, such as lorry drivers, pilots, farmers and more…

Sometimes information is given not in the form of written words but in the shape of digits, data and graphs.

This information needs to be interpreted – what are the numbers and digits telling you? This is called quantitive information, and it is the hard facts on which many companies will base their decision.

For example, a social media manager needs to interpret the analytics that the program is giving them in relation to a recent online campaign. They need to show how valuable and successful the campaign has been in order to design future campaigns.

Look at Data in a Different Way

Data gives you a certain amount of information, but someone good at maths can play around with this information and extrapolate even more.

This is about reasoning processes. The good news is that you don’t have to be a maths genius to be able to drill deeper into what the figures are telling you.

Companies and businesses sometimes want a more analytical approach to problems. This means having someone who can look at the hard data objectively rather than apply emotion.

Find Solutions to Problems

Every business wants as high a level of productivity as possible, with no bottlenecks and no issues. And yet, when there is a problem the solution is often ‘ill-fitting’.

Having mathematic skills means that you have the powers of reasoning and investigation necessary to seek a solution that is a better fit.

For example, on a production line, why is the same amount of goods produced on days when there is less staff on hand as when the production line is fully staffed? It is an interesting conundrum and suggests that economies of scale are reached. Someone good at maths can assess this issue.

When these economies are passed, the process becomes wasteful. With a strong mathematical thought process, you could work out what is happening and why, as then develop solutions.

Many people who have a natural and learnt mathematical aptitude are often naturally organised.

This is not just in how they organise their desk but in regards to their approach in general. They can think in a clear way, producing strategies for getting things done that revolutionise a work process.

But, I’m no good at maths…

Maths is a subject area that will either fill you with horror or make you clap your hands with glee. We teach ourselves that maths is hard by remembering days of complex-looking algebra that made no sense and other mathematical concepts that we say we ‘have never used since’.

But you have, you just didn’t realise that you were using them. Employers want people with a strong mathematical knowledge, which is why many employees are now looking to distance learning maths courses to equip them with the knowledge and the analytical thinking skills that so many employers are looking for when they hire for lucrative positions.

How do you think maths is used in your current role?