Knowing what it takes to be a manager can be a confusing question for anyone starting out on the pathway to management. The role demands a particular blend of skills, personality traits and resilience, and understanding what the job actually involves is the first step towards deciding whether it is the right direction. This article looks at what management is, the challenges managers face, the skills that matter most, and what makes the role worth pursuing.
What management actually means
At its simplest, management is the organisation and coordination of the activities of a business in order to achieve clearly defined objectives. It is often described as a factor of production, alongside machines, materials and money. The influential management thinker Peter Drucker argued that the basic task of management includes both marketing and innovation, a reminder that the role is about far more than simply keeping operations running.
The difficulties managers face
Management brings real challenges, and being aware of them early helps prospective managers prepare. Collaboration is not always the norm, and building a genuinely collaborative culture takes deliberate effort. Control can be difficult, because while everyone may have a view, not everyone is willing to take the action needed to make a difference. Trust is hard to earn and even harder to maintain. Hindsight is valuable but frustrating, as people often see clearly what should have been done only after the event. Mistakes are remembered more readily than the many decisions that went well. And responsibility sits at the heart of the role: managers are expected to hold influence, but they must also be willing to take responsibility for the consequences.
The key skills a manager needs
Effective managers draw on a wide range of skills. Among the most important are:
- Communication skills and the ability to bring people with you
- Problem-solving ability and sound business judgement
- Energy, work ethic and self-confidence
- The ability to synthesise information and make decisions
- Technical skill relevant to the role
- Leadership ability, initiative and decisiveness
- Honesty and integrity
Few people possess every one of these in equal measure, which is why structured development matters. Good planning is part of this picture: time spent thinking ahead and organising work consistently pays off in smoother delivery and fewer wasted hours.
Questions worth asking yourself
Anyone considering a move into management can usefully reflect on a few honest questions before taking the step:
- Are you able and willing to work longer hours without additional compensation for overtime?
- Are you willing to take responsibility, not only for your own failures and mistakes but for those of your team as well?
- Are you good at delegating work to other people?
- Are you good at giving constructive criticism?
- Will you defend your team when you know they are right, even if it means standing up to your own manager?
Answering these honestly gives a realistic sense of whether the responsibilities of management suit you, and where you may want to develop before taking them on.
The advantages of becoming a manager
Management also brings clear rewards. Salary is one of them: managers are generally paid more than the colleagues they lead, and senior managers typically sit among the highest earners in an organisation. Progression is another. For anyone who wants to move up within a business, stepping into management is often a natural and sometimes unavoidable part of the journey, and embracing the opportunity opens up a wider career path. There is also greater authority and influence, with managers usually holding more scope to shape decisions than the people in their teams.
How Professional Academy Supports Your Journey
Stepping into management is a significant move, and the right qualification can give new and aspiring managers the skills and confidence to do it well. Professional Academy delivers CMI management and leadership qualifications designed to build capability at every stage, from first-time managers through to senior leaders. To explore which level is the right fit, the qualification advice team can talk through the options.
Find out more about CMI management and leadership qualifications or speak directly with the team.
