“You do not lead by hitting people over the head — that’s assault, not leadership.” Dwight Eisenhower
If you think great people management skills is all about cracking the whip and getting people to do what you want, then you’re in for a rude awakening. People management is a complex and delicate art that, when done well, can result in a high-performing team that’s cohesive, motivated and focused.
To be a successful people manager, you need to have a deep understanding of people. You need to know what makes them tick, what motivates them, and how to tap into their individual strengths. You also need to be able to effectively communicate with people, build relationships, and resolve conflict.
It’s no easy feat, but if you can master the following 5 people management skills, then you’ll be well on your way to becoming a people manager extraordinaire!
Communication Skills
The ability to communicate effectively is a vital people manager skill. After all, how can you expect to get your point across if you can’t communicate clearly?
As a people manager, you need to be able to communicate with your team members on a variety of levels. This includes everything from one-on-one conversations to large group presentations. And in today's world where we can have teams in different continents, good communication skills are more important than ever.
It’s not just about understanding how to communicate. It’s also about acknowledging that different people respond to different communication styles. That’s why a good people manager will take the time to understand the communication preferences of their stakeholders and adjust their style accordingly.
For instance, some people prefer concise and direct communication, while others prefer a more open and friendly approach. The key is to be able to adapt your communication style to the needs of your audience.
Don't forget that face-to-face conversations trump all. Of course, in a world where we are now managing hybrid teams, face-to-face isn't always an option. So remember to be cautious how you put your message across.
Only 7% of how your message is projected is through the words that you use. 55% is through body language and 38% is through tone. This is why as people managers, we need to be aware of not just what we say, but also how we say it.
Understanding Team Dynamics
Successful people management skills are not just about understanding the individual members of your team, it’s also about understanding the dynamics between them.
A team is more than just the sum of its parts. It's a group of people with their own individual needs and motivations. A good people manager understands this, and knows how to use each team member's strengths to the benefit of the team as a whole.
How do you do this? Firstly, clarify all the job roles and responsibilities within the team. Then make sure that each team member knows what is expected of them. This will help to avoid any confusion and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal.
You will also want to learn what motivates each individual on your team and what will motivate the whole team. What makes them tick? What gets them excited to come into work each day?
It's important to keep in mind that what works for one team might not work for another. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find what motivates your team the most.
Then there is the dreaded team conflict. If you haven’t yet experienced conflict within your team, it’s only a matter of time that you will. This could be anything from minor disagreements to full-blown arguments. As a people manager, it's your responsibility to deal with it.
Conflict is a natural part of any team dynamic and it may be tempting to jut sweep it under the rug in the hopes that it will go away, because it won’t.
Instead, nip it in the bud as soon as possible.
Its only when conflict is not managed effectively that it can become a problem. A good people manager knows how to identify the root cause of the conflict and then work with the team to find a resolution. You'll also need to be aware of your own personal biases and distance yourself emotionally from the situation and approach it with a clear head
The key is to stay calm and be patient. Conflict can often be resolved if both parties are willing to listen and compromise. So, don't be afraid to talk things through with your team members until you reach a resolution.
Performance Management
You know what they say: a manager is only as good as the performance of their team. And that's why performance management is such an important people management skill.
A good people manager understands how to set clear goals and objectives for their team. They know how to measure progress and identify areas for improvement. They know how to give feedback - both positive and negative.
Giving feedback can be difficult, especially if you are not one for confrontation. But it's an essential people management skill. How else are your team going to know what they are doing well and what they can improve on?
It's important to remember though that feedback should be given regularly, and not just when there's a problem. Think of yourself as their coach, helping them to reach their full potential. This way, your team members will know that you are interested in their development and want to help them improve.
And then of course, don’t forget to celebrate successes. A little bit of recognition can go a long way in keeping your team motivated and engaged.
Know Employment Law
If you're going to be managing people, then it's absolutely essential that you have a good understanding of employment law.
Employment law is always changing, so it's important to stay up-to-date. You can do this by reading relevant articles and blogs, attending seminars and workshops, or even doing an online course.
The most important thing is you don't want to find yourself on the wrong side of the law.
As a people manager, there are a few key areas that you need to be aware of:
- recruitment and selection
- equal opportunities
- contract of employment
- health and safety
- disciplinaries
- dismissals and redundancies
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. But it gives you an idea of the kind of thing you need to be aware of. So, if you want to up your people management skills, make sure you do your research and familiarise yourself with the basics of employment law to avoid any potential disasters.
It’s all about the organisation
Last but not least, people management skills are nothing without organisation. After all, managers are responsible for coordinating the work of a whole team whilst juggling multiple project deadlines.
A good people manager is always on top of their game. They know how to prioritise and delegate tasks effectively. They have a knack for solving problems quickly and are able to stay calm under pressure.
In other words, they are organised!
And while some people are born organisational geniuses, the rest of us have to work a little bit harder at it. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources out there to help people improve their organisational skills.
So, if you're not naturally organised, make sure you invest in some people management skills training. This way, you can learn the skills you need to keep your team on track and achieve success.
There's no doubt about it - people management skills are essential for any manager. But unfortunately, they don't always come naturally.
Good news is, they can be learned with a little bit of training and practice. So, if you or your new managers are not already a people management pro, make sure you invest in some training and up your game.
Investing in people management skills is an investment in your company's future. So what are you waiting for? Start investing in people management training today! Your team will thank you for it.