Top skills every business manager must have
Top skills every business manager must have
January 26, 2023
The business world is changing faster than ever. Clients are more demanding, and the markets are more competitive. So, if you are looking to enter the business world, it is important to make sure you stand out by having all the right skills to become a successful business manager.
One of the most common ways to describe business managers’ skills is the ability to be proactive and handle uncertainty. A business manager’s role requires soft skills such as communication, risk-taking, negotiation, and persuasion. These competencies will help you to be well-positioned within a company and your business to grow.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in this thriving field, take a look at our top business management skills to find out if you have what it takes to prosper in a business manager career.
What is a business manager?
A business manager is commonly related to someone with experience in sales and marketing, a “Businessperson” with multitasking ability and impeccable communication skills. A business manager’s work may involve strategic planning and positioning in the appropriate markets, finding and developing new markets, and improving sales or even negotiating partnerships with the client.
The most efficient aspect of a business manager is their ability to argue and negotiate with different tones of voice, from employees to executive leaders. A good business manager must have a swinging discourse, flexible and suitable for each audience they are dealing with.
Top skills for business managers
Communication
Having good communication skills is probably the most important competence for a business development manager. Communication skills in business management are key, especially when it comes to strategic management behaviour. As a successful business professional, you will need to be able to convey ideas, information, and intentions effectively and professionally in all forms of communication, including verbal, written, and listening skills.
Being able to communicate clearly with members of your own team, as well as those in different departments, customers, and other key company stakeholders is essential for any role in business. It is also crucial to ensure that you have an open-door policy or weekly team meetings, so you make yourself available and accessible to your employees.
Organisation
Probably the second most important skill as a business manager is the ability to organise. You will cope with multiple responsibilities as a manager, so excellent organisational skills are vital. You need to be able to present a plan and then schedule, organise and follow it, as well as manage your workload, supervise the work of other employees, attend meetings and training sessions, carry out evaluations, and review company policies.
Interpersonal skills
The business management career is about being able to build successful relationships. To lead a team and negotiate with different executives, you need to know how to deal effectively with people and earn the respect of your team members. An excellent way to attain that is by showing that you are a manager who cares about your teammates by getting to know your colleagues and promoting a more flexible work culture.
Problem-solving and decision-making
A business development manager needs to show an ability to multitask, solve problems daily and manage a variety of decisions at the same time. To ensure that your team is productive and that the workflow operates efficiently, you will have to decide when problems arise. This requires outstanding attention to detail and the ability to remain calm under pressure, especially when it comes to making unexpected choices that could significantly impact the business’s future. Being able to quickly assess the pros and cons of a situation and make an informed decision is essential for a business manager.
Commercial awareness
This skill is in huge demand among business employers. Since business managers are responsible for ensuring that the company runs as efficiently and profitably as possible, they need to be aware of the market they are working in and of any industry political, economic, or legal issues that could affect the company. This is the reason why commercial awareness is highly attributed to candidates for senior management positions.
Creativity and Innovation
Today’s business environment is defined by its increasing competitiveness. In this sense, companies are looking for new ways to capture customer attention and gain an advantage over competitors. Companies value managers who can think outside of the box and come up with unique approaches, so innovation and creativity are also important assets for a business manager to have in order to overcome challenges.
If you think you have what it takes to succeed in a business management career, join our team of business managers at PrimeIT. Take a look at our job opportunities here!