Management is not merely a term coined by management professors and business owners to simplify and explain complex concepts. Management is in fact the management of an entire organization, whether it’s a private company a public non-profit organization, or an institution of higher learning. Managing, however, is much broader than just the theoretical definition. It is actually a process of managing the resources and processes of any organization in order to achieve specific goals and objectives.
Management therefore encompasses several key managerial processes that facilitate the attainment of organizational goals and objectives. These processes are inclusive of the planning process, designing processes and systems for the accomplishment of organizational goals and objectives, implementing solutions for problems, delegating tasks and responsibilities to other people, and ensuring that goals and objectives are consistently and effectively met. A good manager should be able to manage various aspects of these key processes and should be capable of making correct decisions in any given situation. It is also necessary to have a good management of people as they play a key role in achieving organizational goals and objectives.
Good management skills are developed through training and experience. Managers get to deal with all sorts of people ranging from employees and customers to other professionals such as managers, faculty members and other students who need direction and guidance. The responsibility of a manager is multidimensional and includes not only dealing with people on a day-to-day basis but more especially with people whom one will be responsible for maintaining long-term relationships. A good manager should have good communication skills, leadership skills, effective planning skills, decision-making skills, ability to organize, detail and prioritize, and appreciation for people. In addition, managers should also be sensitive to the needs and requirements of the other team members in order to establish effective working relationships.
Good management also involves problem solving and flexibility. A good manager should have sound decision-making skills and ability to organize and direct a group of people effectively. They should be capable of making sound strategic decisions even under difficult and conflicting circumstances. Managers have to plan and organize properly to achieve desired results. Good management skills include using all resources available to them such as technology, financial statements, market research, and cost accounting systems. Cost accounting systems play an important role in making decisions regarding inventory, purchasing, budgeting and financing for programs.
Another important skill required for management is communication skills. Communication skills not only allow you to effectively communicate with team members and stakeholders but also allows you to make decisions in a timely manner. Communication can be done verbally or through presentations. Good managers are good communicators because they know how to listen effectively and carefully to the needs and requirements of others.
To summarize, good management starts with the desire to become one. It involves developing positive leadership qualities and becoming good at decision-making and organizing. A good manager needs to have excellent communication skills, be open to suggestions and feedback, and be able to recognize talent when they arise. These are just some of the key takeaways that help managers become efficient leaders and good managers.