The Top 6 soft skills you need to be a good manager

The Top 6 soft skills you need to be a good manager

Being a manager implies a high level of responsibility and a specific set of qualities required for this type of position. A certain number of hard skills, i.e. technical competencies, are of course essential for success in most companies: finance, marketing, project management... In the world of management, soft skills are undoubtedly even more important, as they enable us to lead, motivate and motivate teams to give their best. Discover our Master Innovation & Entrepreneurship and learn to master all the qualities of a future leader.

What is a soft skill ?

Soft skills, also known as skills soft skills, or savoir-être, are non-technical skills that each of us possesses to a greater or lesser degree, and which enable us to work effectively with others. Soft skills are often considered just as important as technical skills, as they can help improve communication, collaboration and productivity at work.

Soft skills include a wide range of competencies, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, critical thinking, creativity, resilience, empathy, adaptability, conflict management, emotional intelligence, decision-making, influence and leadership. These skills can be used in all professional fields and all sectors of activity.

One of the reasons why soft skills are so important is that they can help people adapt to new and unexpected situations. Technical skills can be learned, but soft skills are often linked to each individual's personality and life experience. People who master soft skills tend to adapt more easily to change, work more effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and solve problems more creatively.

Technical skills can be measured in terms of technical knowledge acquired, but soft skills are often more subjective and difficult to assess. However, some organizations have begun to use tools such as skills assessments and behavioral interviews to assess candidates' soft skills during the recruitment process.

What are a manager's soft skills ?

Managers are responsible for managing teams and achieving company objectives. To do so, they must possess certain essential soft skills.

Soft skill 1 : communication

Communication is one of the most important skills for a manager, who must be able to communicate clearly not only with his or her teams, but also with customers, suppliers and all other stakeholders. Effective communication can help avoid misunderstandings, mistakes and conflicts. Managers must also be able to listen attentively to their team members, giving them constructive feedback and guiding them in the right direction.

Soft skill 2 : time management

Managers need to be able to plan and organize their time effectively in order to achieve their objectives and those of their team. Managers must also be able to prioritize tasks according to their importance and urgency.

Soft skill 3 : decision-making

Managers often have to make tough decisions that can have an impact on their team and their company. They gather information and analyze data to find the best solutions, even when faced with emergency situations.

Soft skill 4 : empathy

Empathy enables us to understand the needs and feelings of our teams. Empathetic managers are able to create a positive working environment where every team member feels understood and supported. Empathetic managers are also more likely to have a trusting relationship with their team, which can improve productivity and quality of work.

Soft skill 5 : problem-solving

Managers need to solve complex problems quickly and efficiently. They must be able to find creative solutions to difficult problems and implement action plans to resolve them, drawing on the specific skills of employees.

Soft skill 6 : problem-solving

Managers guide their teams, inspiring and motivating them to achieve their goals. They must be good listeners, identify individual qualities, encourage team spirit, inspire creativity and provide a clear vision of the company's future, while giving everyone the means to succeed.

What skills does a manager need ?

The most effective managers are those who coordinate projects successfully, make effective decisions for their company, and know how to push their teams to meet multiple challenges. To achieve these goals, the most useful soft skills are undoubtedly communication and leadership.

Other skills are also essential, such as a thorough knowledge of the business sector. Managers are experts who need to keep abreast of the latest trends, regulations and technologies. This in-depth knowledge can help managers to make informed decisions and lead their teams effectively.

Managers must also be able to draw up strategic plans to organize the company's various strategies over time. This involves defining clear objectives, determining the resources needed to achieve them, and creating an action plan to achieve them.

The project management  is another key skill for managers, enabling them to lead complex projects successfully. This involves planning, budgeting, allocating resources and monitoring the progress of each project.

Finally, managers must be able to effectively manage the company's finances by monitoring the costs, revenues and profits of the projects for which they are responsible.

Would you like to develop your own management skills ? Follow our Master Innovation & Entrepreneurship and discover how to acquire the skills you need for a successful career as a leader.