7 Essential Skills Every Great Manager Needs—Now and for the Future
Let’s cut to the chase: 70% of an employee’s experience is directly shaped by their immediate manager. That means strong management skills aren’t just "nice to have"—they’re essential for retaining top talent and reducing turnover. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or stepping into a new role, mastering these seven key skills will set you apart.
1. Relationship Building
Great managers don’t just delegate tasks—they build trust. Strong relationships create engaged, loyal teams. To sharpen this skill, focus on active listening, empathy, and transparent communication. Consistency and reliability go a long way in building credibility with your team.
2. Developing People
A strong manager doesn’t just manage; they mentor and elevate. Spot the strengths in your team members, co-create growth plans, and provide opportunities to develop their skills. A hands-off approach doesn’t cut it—invest in your people, and they’ll invest in your company’s success.
3. Navigating Change
Change is inevitable, but panic isn’t. The best managers stay calm, assess the situation, and look for opportunities instead of problems. Encouraging adaptability and fostering curiosity within your team will ensure they roll with changes rather than resist them.
4. Motivating and Inspiring Others
People don’t just work for a paycheck—they work for purpose. Understand what drives each individual on your team, and tailor your leadership style accordingly. Set clear goals, recognize achievements, and be the kind of leader people want to follow.
5. Critical Thinking
The best managers don’t accept things at face value. They analyze, question, and challenge assumptions to improve processes and drive innovation. Encouraging critical thinking in your team ensures that your organization stays ahead of the curve rather than stuck in outdated ways.
6. Clear Communication
Miscommunication is the fastest way to derail a team. Great managers ask the right questions, clarify expectations, and ensure alignment at every level. They also push back on assumptions and make sure every voice is heard. The clearer your communication, the smoother your execution.
7. Creating Accountability
Micromanagement is out—accountability is in. Strong managers model accountability by setting clear expectations and holding themselves and their teams to high standards. Instead of hovering, they establish shared agreements and empower employees to own their work.
How to Level Up Your Management Skills
Now that we’ve outlined what makes a great manager, let’s talk about how to get there.
1. Read and Learn Constantly
Stay sharp by reading books on leadership and management. But don’t just take everything at face value—apply critical thinking and decide what strategies work best for you.
2. Surround Yourself with Great Leaders
You become the average of the people you spend the most time with. Seek out inspiring leaders, observe their strategies, and apply their best practices to your own management style. If you lack these influences, consider a coach, mentor, or leadership development group.
3. Seek (and Act on) Feedback
Want to know your blind spots? Ask for direct, constructive feedback from your team, peers, and superiors. The key is not just to listen, but to implement changes based on what you hear.
4. Never Stop Growing
Leadership is not a destination; it’s a journey. Attend seminars, workshops, and industry events to stay ahead of trends and continuously refine your skills.
5. Coach and Mentor Your Team
Your job isn’t just to lead—it’s to develop future leaders. Take the time to coach, delegate responsibilities, and empower your team to step up and take ownership.
Final Thoughts
Being a great manager is about more than just hitting KPIs—it’s about building strong teams, fostering growth, and creating a culture of success. By mastering these seven skills and committing to continuous improvement, you’ll set yourself apart as a leader who doesn’t just manage—but truly inspires.