If you’re looking for a management position or a C-suite job, you’ll need a resume that highlights your management skills. Check out the top 10 skills.
Whether you’re already in a managerial position or you aspire to one, it is important to cultivate the traits and skills of a good manager today.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 management skills you should be practicing – and that you should include on your resume. Along with a description of each skill, we’ve included examples of that skill in action.
1. Time Management
Time management has been described as “the process of organizing and planning your activities… in a way, that… maximizes performance, efficiency, and productivity.”
Time management includes setting goals, prioritizing tasks, breaking down tasks into smaller components, setting and sticking to deadlines, delegating, outsourcing, and focusing on the task at hand.
You’ll need to manage your time well in order to get your work done on time. Even in your personal life, you’ll need to manage your time so as to arrive at work punctually, get sufficient rest, and maintain a work-life balance.
When you supervise others, it is important that you know not only how to manage your own time but theirs as well. You may be tasked with creating employee schedules. In a retail environment, for example, these schedules may vary from week to week. You’ll also need to be aware of your employee’s needs and limitations (such as the schedule for a second job, when they have to drop off and pick up their children, etc.) when preparing the schedule.
Here, you’ll find even more information about including time management skills on your resume.
Time management examples:
- Meeting strict deadlines on time
- Adjusting work processes so as to increase productivity
- Creating employee schedules
- Delegating tasks to competent employees
2. Organization
One definition of “organized” is “having a formal… structure… to coordinate or carry out… activities.” A well-organized person both in terms of their physical belongings and in thought.
Just as you expect a news website to be divided into categories like business, health, travel, and sports, so should your resume be categorized. With appropriate resume headings and easy-to-find information, the very layout of your resume can attest to your organizational skills.
Examples of organization in action:
- Juggling multiple projects at once
- Completing important paperwork on time; filing documents
- Inventorying items and organizing them for easy location
3. Resilience
Managers face challenges and disappointments. Resilience is the ability “to adjust or recover readily.” Managers need to have this quality themselves and inspire it in their teams.
Examples of resilience:
- Providing good customer service to remedy a negative customer experience
- Creating a new plan after a failed launch or financial setback
- Encouraging employees to look for opportunities to try again
4. Relationship-building
Managers don’t work alone – they lead a team. They also interact with upper-level management, customers, clients, vendors, and suppliers. Good relationships are crucial in all instances.
Managers should see employees as “people first.” They should look for their strengths and understand their individual weaknesses, and build a business strategy that takes this into account.
This skill involves a lot of communication, discussed below.
Relationship-building examples:
- Scheduling teambuilding activities, luncheons, or retreats
- Having regular check-in meetings
- Getting to know employees and their unique situations
5. Communication
Good verbal communication includes constructive criticism as well as open and honest expression.
Examples of communication:
- Recognize the good work employees do – not just at annual reviews, but often
- Actively listen
6. Leadership
Lead by your example.
Examples of leadership:
- Demonstrate tasks
- Embrace new technologies
7. Critical thinking
Critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills are vital, both when challenges arise and in the face of changing business landscapes. Brainstorm!
Examples of critical thinking:
- Create multiple possible solutions for problems and select the best potential outcome
- Think of ways to improve processes and workflow
8. Creativity
Creativity is vital to many of the qualities above.
Examples of creativity:
- Find new solutions to problems
- Be open to suggestions
9. Self-Awareness
Managers should be self-aware, that is, they think about how others perceive their words and actions. If you realize that your non-verbal cues, jests, etc., could be interpreted negatively, make the necessary changes.
Examples of self-awareness:
- Setting the example of smiling at customers as they enter
- Adjusting speech patterns to show empathy for those of different cultural backgrounds.
10. The Ability to Inspire Others
According to one survey, the ability to inspire others was found as the most important skill managers can possess. Good managers can motivate, support, and guide employees to help them overcome challenges and increase productivity. One way to do so is by designing a “compelling mission and vision” – something they are excited to work toward and be a part of.
Examples of the ability to inspire others:
- Giving a speech to boost morale
- Rallying employees to achieve a goal or overcome a problem
- Creating incentives, such as friendly workplace competitions between teams
- Writing a mission or vision statement
In Conclusion
Time management, good organization, resilience, relationship-building, communication, leadership, critical thinking, creativity, self-awareness, and the ability to inspire others are all vital management skills. Put these skills into practice, and be sure to describe them clearly on your resume.