Being in charge of a small business will be a demanding and sometimes exhausting task. However, the rewarding feeling of seeing your own business eventually grow is worth the trouble. We must remember, though, that we will also be in charge of the team. This means that we will need to master several management skills in order to be a successful leader.
Even when there are many different skills we will need when managing our team and business, there are 4 essential ones we should develop early on. Such management skills include decision making, delegation and motivation, communication, and conflict management.
One of the most important management skills we need to develop in order to run a successful business is decision making. The ability to make fast, and more importantly, the right decisions under pressure might take time but will make a difference. Also, we need to understand the implications of such decisions. We will have to inform our team of how our decision might impact the company, and everyone involved.
Another management skill that tends to be harder to develop than it should is delegating tasks and motivating our team. This requires a deep understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each and every member of our team. Without this insight, we might find ourselves delegating important tasks to the wrong person. We want to maximize their abilities and productivity, and proper task delegation will help us achieve just that.
Along with proper delegation comes team motivation. Helping our team to stay focused and work towards the company’s goal can be hard. Motivation is something that comes from each individual’s internal desire to achieve their objectives. However, business owners and team managers must contribute to such motivation. Working with clear performance expectations is the best way to ensure our staff will work towards the company’s goal.
Being able to effectively communicate is an essential skill, not only in the workplace but in life, too. We must keep in mind that communication goes further than just sending a message. Face expressions, body language, and tone of voice are crucial elements of effective communication. Also, actively listening to the opinions and input of our staff, clients, and other collaborators are part of this skill. As managers of a small business, effective communication skills can make a difference in our company’s success.
One management skill that tends to be horribly underestimated is conflict management. Whether we’re dealing with internal conflict or one with our clients or partners, the proper handling and resolution will lie with us. Being able to identify and understand potential conflicts is also part of the management skills we need to develop. This way we can prevent a conflict that might disrupt business operations. Also, by properly handling and solving conflicts will enhance our team’s performance.
