In the intricate dance of leadership, the question of whether managerial competency is a born trait or a cultivated skill perennially surfaces in both academic and professional arenas. Are these qualities ingrained, or can they be meticulously developed over time?
This article explores whether the ability to manage is natural and inherent in certain people or whether it can be learned and developed.
What it Takes to Be a Good Manager
While there isn’t a definitive set of skills that guarantees managerial success, several key qualities are commonly found in successful managers. Here are some of the
Expertise
At the core of managerial competence is expertise. A deep understanding and experience in a specific field or industry are crucial. This expertise isn’t just about having superior knowledge; it’s about understanding the core processes and challenges that one’s team faces daily.
Employees also tend to respect and follow leaders who are not only more knowledgeable but also demonstrate a mastery of the skills required to excel in their roles. When a manager is adept in their field, other shortcomings can often be more easily overlooked. This respect for their knowledge and abilities makes it easier for managers to lead effectively.
Can it be learned?
Yes, expertise can be developed through dedicated study, practice and experience. Formal education and ongoing professional development play critical roles in cultivating this quality.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is another cornerstone of effective management. This trait involves a manager’s ability to empathise with their employees, understand their emotions and react appropriately to team dynamics. High emotional intelligence helps managers resolve conflicts, build teams, and maintain a positive workplace culture.
Managers who can navigate the complex landscape of human emotions at work are better equipped to motivate their team, anticipate problems before they escalate and cultivate a supportive and collaborative environment.
Can it be learned?
Absolutely. Emotional intelligence can be enhanced through training programmes, reflective practice and feedback from others. It involves learning to be more aware of one’s own emotions and those of others and managing these emotions effectively.
Health and Safety Awareness
Managers with a keen awareness of health and safety regulations not only comply with legal requirements but also demonstrate a commitment to their team’s well-being. This cultivates a culture of caution and care, enhancing employee morale and reducing costly downtime due to injuries.
Ensuring a healthy and safe culture and environment for employees requires a conscious effort on the part of managers. Many successful managers take an IOSH Managing Safely refresher course every three years to ensure their practices stay up to standards. The result is a physically and mentally healthy team that’s more productive and satisfied.
Can it be learned?
Definitely. Health and safety awareness can be significantly improved through specific training courses like IOSH Managing Safely. Regular refreshers help managers keep up to date with best practices and legal requirements.
Adaptability
The business world is ever-evolving, and successful managers can quickly adapt to changes. This could mean adopting new technologies, shifting strategies in response to market dynamics or finding innovative solutions to unexpected problems.
Lifelong learning is a vital aspect of adaptability; managers who commit to continuously updating their knowledge and skills set an example for their teams and help ensure that their operations remain current and competitive.
Can it be learned?
Yes, adaptability is a skill that can be developed through experiences that challenge a manager’s current way of thinking and through training that encourages flexibility and innovative thinking.
Resilience
The ability to withstand and bounce back from setbacks is crucial for managers. Resilience enables managers to handle stress, overcome obstacles and rebound from failures without losing momentum.
A resilient manager promotes a strong work ethic and perseverance among team members, encouraging them to stay engaged and motivated even when things don’t go as planned.
Can it be learned?
Resilience can be built over time by facing and overcoming challenges and through support mechanisms like coaching and mentorship. Psychological resilience training also helps individuals learn techniques to manage stress and adapt to adversity.
Integrity
A strong ethical foundation is essential for any leader. Managers with integrity are known for their honesty, reliability and moral uprightness. They set ethical standards for their team by example and create an environment where ethical behaviour is valued and unethical actions are not tolerated. Integrity builds trust between managers and their teams, which is fundamental for long-term success.
Can it be learned?
While aspects of one’s ethical foundation are shaped by early life experiences, integrity can certainly be reinforced through clear organisational values and codes of conduct. Training in ethical decision-making and leadership can also help managers strengthen their integrity in professional settings.
So, Can Managerial Competency Be Learned?
The debate over whether managerial skills are inherent or can be developed has long persisted in both academic circles and industry discussions. While certain personality traits may give some individuals a natural advantage in leadership roles, the consensus in modern management science is clear: the essential qualities of a competent manager can indeed be learned, developed and refined.
Learning through Experience
Managerial competency is not solely dependent on innate abilities; it also grows from experiences. Leaders often emerge through various paths, sometimes transitioning from technical roles into management or ascending through the ranks as they acquire a deeper understanding of what it takes to lead effectively. This learning process is iterative and dynamic, occurring through trial and error, mentorship and formal training.
All it Takes is Time and Effort
The journey to becoming a competent manager is fundamentally about commitment—a commitment to personal growth and professional excellence. Developing the key qualities of an effective manager requires time and consistent effort, but the rewards are substantial, both for the individual and the organisation.
Continuous Improvement
A hallmark of a good manager is the commitment to continuous improvement. This involves regularly updating one’s skills and adapting to new challenges and technologies. The landscape of business is continually evolving, and staying relevant requires a proactive approach to learning and personal development.
Feedback mechanisms, such as 360-degree reviews, performance evaluations and coaching, are instrumental in helping managers identify areas for improvement and track their progress over time.