25 May 2023
16 essential people skills you need to be a great manager
What do you really need to be a great manager? Are there certain people skills you need to succeed? How do great managers operate to oversee and lead the people on their teams?
We surveyed more than 100 managers about what they believe are the most important people management skills. From understanding employee motivations to mastering negotiation, here are the people skills you need to be a superb manager.
NEGOTIATION
Although there are a lot of skills that make up a brilliant manager, I think that mastering the skill of negotiation can deliver the greatest payoffs. Few people understand the complexity and multi-layered nature of this skill, as it comprises emotional intelligence, communication, reflection, adaptability, and many more. Without it, you, as a manager, cannot reach an agreeable solution, no matter the subject or issue.
Like many of us, I wasn’t born with this skill, and I had to hone it as I worked my way up to becoming a CEO. Today, a win-win negotiation style helps me get excellent results for everyone involved, secure new clients, and build rapport with the team. I also encourage our managers and team leads to nurture this skill as I understand the long-term value of it—both in the professional and personal life.
Tatsiana Kerimova, CEO, Orangesoft
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Conflict resolution skills aren’t just helpful when there’s a disagreement between colleagues in your team. Resolving conflicts well means you’re able to listen to both sides without judgment to understand where each person is coming from and what they want.
It also requires patience, collaboration, negotiation, consensus building, creative problem-solving, and the ability to stay calm when faced with highly charged emotions.
These skills are just as valuable for preventing conflicts and maintaining a healthy work environment on a day-to-day basis. Therefore, people who are skilled at conflict resolution also are exceptional managers across the board.
