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Boost Your Employability as a Manager with These 10 Skills

GVI

Posted: March 4, 2023

Employability is the ability to bring together a range of skills, qualities and personal traits that are valued by employers – such as communication, problem-solving and team working – to enhance your chance of getting a job.

It involves having a positive attitude and taking responsibility for one’s own career development, as well as being productive and effective in the workplace.

It is not only about having the right qualifications and experience but also about having the right attitude and being able to demonstrate the ability to work well with others. Employers are looking for people who can think critically, solve problems, and work collaboratively. Take a look at ten of the most essential skills to increase your employability to become a manager.

1. Communication Skills

Good communication skills are essential for effective management. Effective communication is not just about being able to deliver clear messages, but also being able to listen to what others are saying and understanding their point of view. It also involves being able to give and receive feedback and being able to negotiate and resolve conflicts.

Communication skills also involve being able to express yourself clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. It involves being able to read and interpret body language, and being able to adjust your communication style to different audiences. Good communication skills are essential for successful relationships, both in the workplace and in your personal life.

2. Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is an important part of effective management. It involves being able to identify the root causes of conflicts and then finding solutions that are acceptable to all parties involved. It also involves being able to de-escalate situations and ensure that everyone involved feels heard and respected.

Conflict resolution requires strong communication skills, as well as the ability to remain impartial and open-minded. It is important to remember that all parties involved should be treated with respect and dignity and that the goal is to reach a mutually beneficial outcome. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the potential for further conflict and to be prepared to address it if it arises.

3. Adaptability

Adaptability is an essential skill for managers. You must be able to quickly adapt to changing demands and requirements in order to remain competitive and successful in your field. This could include adapting to new technologies, new processes, new systems, new laws and regulations, or new ways of doing things.

Managers must also be able to recognise when changes are necessary and be willing to take risks in order to make those changes. You must be able to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems. Additionally, you must be able to communicate effectively with your team and other stakeholders in order to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands the changes that are being made.

4. Leadership

Leadership is a critical skill for managers. You need to be able to motivate and inspire your team, encourage collaboration between team members, delegate tasks effectively, provide support where needed, and maintain a positive attitude in the face of challenges. Good managers should also be able to anticipate problems and take preventive measures.

You should be able to listen to your team’s ideas and feedback and be open to new ways of doing things. Leaders should also be able to recognise and reward good performance and provide constructive feedback when needed.

Multi-ethnic team of business women analyzing information on tablet computer

5. Time Management

Time management is a key skill for managers. You should be able to plan tasks and allocate resources effectively, prioritise tasks, manage deadlines, and make sure that everyone is working towards the same goals. This can help to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Managers should also be able to delegate tasks to team members, provide feedback and guidance, and ensure that everyone is working together efficiently. Additionally, managers should be able to identify areas of improvement and develop strategies to address them. By doing so, you can help to ensure that projects are completed successfully and that your team members are motivated and productive.

6. Problem-solving

Problem-solving is an important skill for managers. You should be able to identify problems quickly, analyse them accurately and take appropriate action. This could include using creative solutions, brainstorming with colleagues, researching solutions online or consulting with experts.

7. Building Relationships

As a leader, you should be able to build strong relationships with your team members, colleagues, clients and stakeholders. You should work at developing trust, understanding people’s needs and motivations, respecting different opinions, and showing empathy.

8. Critical Thinking

You should be able to think logically and objectively about problems and issues, consider different perspectives, weigh up evidence, and make informed decisions. This can help you to make better decisions in a timely manner, something that is an important, and often scarce, skill to have.

9. Risk Assessment

One of the ways to increase your employability as a manager, is to be able to identify potential risks, assess their impact, and develop strategies to reduce or mitigate them. This could involve carrying out risk assessments on projects, processes or products, or conducting simulated scenarios to test how the organisation would respond in different situations.

10. Professionalism

Professionalism is a key attribute of effective managers. You should be able to behave with integrity and respect, maintain confidentiality when appropriate, treat people with courtesy and respect, and adhere to workplace policies and procedures.

Professionalism also includes keeping up-to-date with industry developments and trends and always being prepared for potential opportunities.

Ways to develop employability skills

A GVI internship can be an excellent opportunity to develop your management skills. As an intern, you will have the chance to work closely with experienced professionals who will provide guidance and support as you take on a variety of management responsibilities. You may be involved in planning and coordinating projects, overseeing teams of volunteers, managing budgets and resources, and communicating with stakeholders. These experiences can help you develop skills in leadership, communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic planning – all of which are essential for a successful career in management.

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