Term Paper on "Management Skill and Competencies"

Term Paper 6 pages (2582 words) Sources: 1+

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Management Skills & Competencies

Skills and Competency Grid for the 21st Century Manager

The purpose of this work is to first create a skills and competency grid for the 21st Century manager based on the topics of the forces of change affecting management processes and people. The difference between efficiency and effectiveness as it relates to management. The use of management functions such as planning, leading organizing and controlling. Further this work will compare and contrast the similarities and differences in precisely how different types of managers perform the major functions and analyze the impacts of management on informational, interpersonal and decisional roles. This work will evaluate the lifecycles of the organization and its influence on management practices as well as assess the interdependence of departments in an organization and its impact on the management effectiveness. The importance of building internal partnerships will be described as well as assessing the influence of power and influences of ethical behavior in an organization. Finally part one of this work will appraise emerging trends and in society and business that influence management practices.

Part II of this work will be the creation of a personal development plan that analyzes strengths and weaknesses related to proposed grid and further make identification of concrete action steps that can be taken to build competencies.

Introduction

The skills and competencies that are demanded of the 21st Century manager are varied and diverse in nature. Skills with people and technology is a necessity for a manager in the 21st century world that is rapidly changing particularly in relation to technological advances. Efficiency as well as effectiveness are vital in the role of management within an organization. Efficiency is having performed a task or project in a streamlined manner with all the loose ends tied up neatly whereas effectiveness is the measurement of the success of the task or project demonstrated through success in projected and targeted outcomes.

Development of a Grid

Management is generally followed by the individuals they manage due to trust and respect rather than the possession of skills. Leadership relies on management skills but more so on personal qualities such as integrity, ethics, honesty, commitment, confidence wisdom, determination, humanity, sincerity and compassion for others. Different types of leadership personalities are as follows:

Concern for Tasks

The achievement of concrete objective is the emphasis. High levels of productivity, methods of organizing people and activities in meeting those objectives.

Concern for People

The person is a consideration instead of being "simply units of production" or "means to an end." (Leadership Style and Behavior of Leaders, 2005)

Directive leadership

In this style of leadership the leaders make decisions for others and expect subordinates to adhere to instruction and orders.

Participate Leadership

Sharing of decision-making with others.

Four of the basic styles in leadership are those of:

Autocratic: Dominating type of leadership using unilateralist in achievement of a singular objective usually met with passive resistance from team. Employee participation is limited.

Bureaucratic: Management by the book according to policy or procedures. Rules are enforced.

Laissez-faire: Hands-off style of leadership which provides virtually no direction giving employees complete freedom with the authority of power over themselves in goal determination, decision-making, and problem resolution.

Democratic: This is the 'participate' style encouraging employees in participation in decision-making, work goals and methods are decided by the group as a whole.

Leaders may also be described with attributes expressed in the following roles:

Socio-Emotional Leaders

Supportive of employees utilizing 'unconditional reinforcement'. Building trust is seen as key to a quality relationship.

Combination (Task & Socio-Emotional)

High levels of interpersonal and/or emotional intelligence skills in which the leaders works toward the end of group oriented goals through effectiveness and value recognition.

Effective Leaders

Lead by example, with understanding and with a willingness to discuss issues in a team oriented approach. Avoidance of ruling according to the procedural company designated 'law' and brings out the best in workers under supervision. Authority is delegated and communication is open with this leader.

Twelve Dimensions in Management/Leadership are stated to be the following characteristics:

Integrity, Self-Renewal, Fortitude, Perceiving, Judgment, Performing, Boldness, Team-building, Collaboration, Inspiring, Serving, Enthusiasm"

Competencies in Leadership are stated to be:

1. A common vision appropriate to all employees.

2. A vision for the future of the organization which will guide in setting organization goals and objectives.

3. Developing vision in seeing the bigger picture and standing for the created values.

4. Encouragement of others in commitment to values in the organization.

5. Development of values that recognize diversity as a strategic advantage.

Management Levels in an Organization

Levels of management in an organization are stated to be the levels of First-line managers, Middle Managers, and Top Managers. First-Line Managers are the managerial jobs that are the lowest level of management and are often referred to within the organization as 'supervisors'. Middle Managers are those above the supervisor level which are those responsible for a specific unit within the organization in terms of performance of that unit. There are less Top Managers than others and they are those with the most responsibility within the organization and serve in guiding the organization. Three types of skills associated with managerial functions are those of technical skills, human skills and technical skills with characteristics as follows:

Technical Skills: These skills are those of procedures, techniques, methods and specific tools to the field.

Human Skills: These skills are those defined as abilities to: understanding, motivate, lead, plan, and are vital skills for managers on all levels.

Conceptual Skills: Inclusive in this skill range are abilities in coordinating, planning integrating as well as understanding how each mechanism in the organization affects other mechanisms and the interrelatedness of all parts throughout the organization.

Managerial Functions: Planning, Leading, Organizing & Controlling

Managerial functions of planning, leading, organizing and controlling are best understood within the description as follows:

Leading: The management within an organization 'leads' the teams within an organization whether it be towards the end of increasing productivity, decreasing injuries on the job or in creating a better work environment.

Planning: The management within an organization is responsible for the laying out of plans that are well-thought out and that utilizes the best of each individual and team in the accomplishment of a goal or meeting of production quotas or deadlines.

Controlling: Controlling is an important aspect in managerial functions. The management 'controls' inventory, purchases, training processes, scheduling and other such aspects within the organization that require the supervision and focused attention in goal-setting and goal-meeting.

Organizing: This is also a vital function on the part of management. Without proper organization no deadlines could be met, productivity would never increase and job injuries would be on the rise. Organization is key in functional business processes that are conducive to increased capacity, productivity and performance in an organization.

Organization Lifecycle and the Effect on Management

The organization project Lifecycle has several stages which are:

Project Selection: This phase of the Lifecycle in selection of a project differs from one organization to the next. The project must be first be evaluated in making a determination of the proper and best use of corporation funds. The costs, benefits, risks and other factors will be different in each project. After having evaluated and selected the project the next step is formal planning.

Planning: "The importance of thorough planning cannot be overemphasized." (Hormozi, et al. 2000) the project budget and the master schedule are the two main and most important components of the project plan. Measures for evaluation of the project should be included in the plan and guidelines for the termination of the project.

Execution: The costs, schedule as well as performance, or the 'actual progress' of the project is measured against goals set out in the plan and the information is constructed into status reports and then distributed to the project team and the senior management in the organization.

Termination: During the phase redistribution of resources takes place as well as the closing of financial records and reassignment of personnel of the project.

Termination of a project may be through extinction, inclusion or integration. (Meredith et al., 1995)

The manager's responsibility in the termination of a project is to "effectively and efficiently end projects" (Meredith, et al., 1995) and is inclusive of the following:

Ensuring that the project is complete.

Ensuring delivery and client acceptance

Preparation of a final report

Ensuring that all bills have been paid and that the final invoice has been sent to the client.

Redistribution personnel, materials, equipment, and any other resources.

Determination of what records (manual, reports, and other paperwork) are to be kept and place them in storage.

Assignment of responsibility for product support if necessary

Overseeing the closing of the books of the project.

It is the place and responsibility of the senior management to recognize and award the successes of the project team and in doing this the creation of a corporate culture that give encouragement and motivation is established. It is important that member of management have sensitivity… READ MORE

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