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MANAGEMENT | LEADERSHIP | CULTURE

What Makes a Good Manager? 6 Soft Skills You Need to Be a People Manager

What to look for when interviewing for a new role

Leanna Jackson

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Good managers can make or break any team or company. They are responsible for leading teams, setting goals, and making important decisions that impact the company as a whole.

While technical skills are important for managers to have, it is often their soft skills that set them apart from the rest.

Photo by Microsoft 365 on Unsplash

Here are 5 soft skills that all good managers should have to be effective at their job.

Communication

Effective communication is key for managers to be able to effectively lead their teams. They must be able to clearly convey expectations, provide feedback, and resolve conflicts.

Good managers also need to be good listeners, able to understand the perspectives of their team members and respond appropriately.

In an interview, see if the hiring manager dominates the conversation or zones out when you’re speaking. Either option could mean that they don’t take their team’s opinions seriously.

Emotional Intelligence

Managers must be able to understand and manage their own emotions, as well as the emotions of those around them.

They must be able to empathize with their team members and create a positive work environment. They should also be able to handle difficult situations and conflicts in a calm and professional manner.

Watch for how they share about their team, explain why the role is open, and answer your questions. As you talk with a manager, you’ll likely get a good feel if their emotional IQ is strong.

Adaptability

The business world is constantly changing, and good managers must be able to adapt to new situations and challenges. They must be able to think creatively and come up with new solutions to problems.

They should also be able to inspire their teams to embrace…

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