Final answer:
Managers need three categories of skills: technical (knowledge of their specific field), human (interpersonal abilities), and conceptual (overall understanding of the organization). Improving transferrable and job-specific skills is also crucial for managerial success.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three basic categories of skills needed by managers are technical skills, human skills, and conceptual skills:
- Technical skills involve specialized knowledge and proficiency in a specific field. For managers, this often includes an understanding of the specific work they oversee, which can involve specialized knowledge of math, science, or technology. Having a hands-on understanding of the tasks at hand can prove invaluable.
- Human skills, also known as interpersonal skills, are the abilities required to work well with others, build strong team dynamics, and communicate effectively. These skills are essential for managers to inspire and direct their teams. They encompass a range of competencies including communication, active listening, and empathy.
- Conceptual skills are the skills managers need to view the organization as a whole, understand how different parts of the company relate to each other, and make decisions that align with the overall goals and objectives of the organization. This includes creativity and decision-making abilities, which allows managers to solve problems and direct the organization effectively.
To maximize effectiveness in their roles, managers also need to work on transferrable skills, like time management, multitasking, and advising, as well as fostering their job-specific skills through continuous learning and adapting to new developments in their sector.