Managers need to master conceptual, technical, and ______ skills.

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A position in management requires a diverse range of skills, no matter the industry; however, your particular field will help determine knowledge-specific skills needed as a manager. In the 1970s, social psychologist Robert L. Katz identified three basic skillsets required for effective management: technical, human and conceptual. While all three types are important, a manager's technical skills include measurable concrete skills.1

What Are Technical Skills?

Technical skills involve the use of company or industry-specific methods and processes, formal problem-solving techniques, technology systems and machinery and other tools. Furthermore, they involve specialized knowledge and typically must be taught, like the education offered in a business administration bachelor program or at a vocational school. These are different from essential employable skills (what Katz would call "human" skills), which can be acquired and honed over time. Technical skills may involve performing a predetermined sequence of steps or carrying out a specific physical action. Thus, these skills can change depending on the particular processes, procedures and regulations that are standard in your industry.1

Importance of Technical Skills for Managers

All three above skill types – technical, human, and conceptual – overlap and combine to create effective management. However, the position type and level of management you're in may dictate the degree to which you use technical skills in your day-to-day responsibilities.

For example, a line manager at a plant or an on-site construction manager may use technical skills directly on a daily basis and may be more mechanical and hands on. A project manager; however, may utilize technical skills to stay familiar with the work being done by his or her employees, but may not use these skills daily.2,3

Important Technical Skills for Managers

Because technical skills are specific to the task(s) managers must complete or oversee on a daily basis, they can vary by industry and position. However, some common technical skills may be required across a number of industries, specifically within administrative and middle management positions.

Office Skills

Basic proficiency with office software like Microsoft Office, Adobe, Google Docs and any relevant industry-specific programs is essential for managers. Furthermore, depending on the industry, a proficiency with financial and accounting software, data entry, popular web publishing platforms and HR and scheduling programs may be required.3,4

Computer and Digital Literacy

While not all jobs require management to have a working knowledge of programming or website maintenance, having an understanding of the basics is beneficial. This may include a general understanding of web design and Search Engine Optimization or training in HTML and CSS. For certain positions, a familiarity with industry-specific programs, such as Epic medical software for managers in the healthcare field, may be desired by employers.3,4,5

Technical Writing

Managers may communicate goals and instructions to employees, create training materials, document important processes, generate product and service descriptions and relay department and project statuses to upper management. All require clear and concise professional writing abilities, as well as communicating complex processes and procedures in writing.4

Information Technology

IT plays a significant role in many companies' operations today; therefore, having a working knowledge of IT basics may be helpful (even if your business has a dedicated IT department).3,4

Project Management

Management may involve overseeing employees throughout multiple stages of one or more projects, making the ability to coordinate activities and monitor progress toward specific goals useful. Even those not working directly in project management roles should understand the basic processes and resources required to plan and execute a long-term project.4

Data Management and Analytics

A skilled manager should efficiently and accurately gather information relevant to the continued operations of a business, analyze the data for significant trends or potential issues and relay findings to upper management. Depending on the position and industry, managers may be expected to be familiar with specific data collection and analytics tools and software.3,4,5

Managers are typically in charge of various high-level aspects of running a company, such as hiring or firing personnel, budgeting, and ensuring employees meet quotas, understand and work toward the same goal, and feel satisfied in their work. Having the right skills to handle all duties associated with the role can help you be more effective as a manager. When you equip yourself with the knowledge and skills the job requires, you can lead others to be more productive and happier with their work.

Must-have management skills

Here are some must-have management skills you can perfect to help you succeed:

Communication

Effective communication, both written and in-person, is essential for managers. Some duties of this position, such as meeting deadlines or scheduling events, require the ability to delegate tasks to those individuals on your team who are best suited to accomplish them. For example, if a member of your team has an exceptional typing speed, they might be well-suited to the task of responding to emails, while another employee may be well-spoken and charismatic, making them the best person to give presentations on projects. Communicating with your employees helps you better understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Playing to your employees' strengths can increase productivity, as people are more likely to show up and perform well at a job they enjoy. In fact, a study from the University of Oxford found that happy employees are 13% more productive at work. Communicating effectively and providing constructive feedback and praise allows your employees to understand their job and its duties, helping them avoid making mistakes.

Leadership

Having leadership skills means you can delegate tasks effectively, see that projects get completed, and ensure business runs efficiently. As a leader, you're likely knowledgeable about all aspects of running a company; however, you might not be an expert in every area. Therefore, it's important for a manager to be able to lead a team of people. Managers must ensure everyone knows what's expected of them so they can perform their responsibilities. Speaking clearly and confidently and maintaining eye contact are both signs of an effective leader.

Empathy

It's important for a manager to have empathy toward their employees because it can help gain their trust and respect. When you demonstrate you understand what your employees are going through and that you care about them as individuals, you make them feel important and appreciated. If an employee comes to you with a problem, whether it's work-related or personal, try to listen to their words and offer suggestions to resolve their issue or just be a sounding board for their complaints or ideas. These simple gestures go a long way toward earning your employees' trust.

Multitasking

Another important management skill is multitasking, or the ability to do more than one thing at a time. A manager often must work with an angry customer and soothe a distraught employee simultaneously or handle an incoming order while also paying a late bill. Staying calm and maintaining the composure to get tasks accomplished is key for management positions. Knowing how to prioritize your workflow to ensure you take care of the most important jobs first and having the ability to work under pressure can help you when multitasking.

Detail-oriented

A detail-oriented manager is one who notices the small things others might miss. For example, they might spot an accounting error before sending a budget plan to upper management. Or, they might be exceptional at hiring employees who possess the exact skills and education for their positions. A detail-oriented manager can help a company reduce spending and increase productivity by spotting mistakes and correcting them before they become larger issues. If you have the skills to pursue management positions, create a profile on Career Builder so employers can find you.

Problem-solving

Problem-solving skills are helpful in many roles, but the ability to solve problems is a must-have skill for managers. In any job and industry, problems are bound to arise. An effective manager must come up with solutions quickly and on the spot. Sometimes, there's no time to seek guidance, and managers must make tough decisions on their own. This also comes with taking responsibility for those decisions, no matter if the outcome is positive or negative.

Managers can use their problem-solving skills to help employees work through issues they might have accomplishing their tasks or performing their duties. This not only helps employees meet deadlines but can also lead them to trust and respect you more as a manager.

Whether you're already a manager or looking to become one, these are skills you might want to develop to excel in your role. You can perfect these management skills and more and use your resume to showcase them to a potential employer. Having the right skills for the job shows a hiring manager how well you can perform your duties and that you can learn what's required for the job.

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