On Track for a Promotion to Manager? Focus on These Qualities to Build Your Career

Are you looking to improve your current supervisory skills, get hired in a management position, or just curious about what it takes to be an effective manager? If so, these are top qualities to focus on:

Be an outstanding communicator. According to the Journal for Management Development, being able to communicate exceptionally well with all persons is critical as an effective manager. Outstanding communication involves not only employees, but upper management, customers, the public, and everyone involved.

Inspire others to achieve. Top managers inspire others, boost morale, and use a positive approach, improving overall performance and innovation. Exceptional managers appeal to employees' individual personal goals, needs, and values; transforming these to benefit the collective interests and common good of the workplace. Sound too idealistic? Think again. A recent study by the International Centre for Management and Organisational Effectiveness found that inspiring others to perform well is critical to the success of top CEOs.

Know your stuff. The Miami Times reported that the best managers are those who have a comprehensive grasp on all aspects of the work, the industry, and the people involved. In a survey by Franklin Covey, 60.5 percent of employees stated they would be hesitant to take directions from a manager who wasn't knowledgeable about the job. So do your homework and don't stop learning more.

Convey integrity. Exceptional managers display sincerity, honesty, and candor in every action; and treat everyone fairly. Decisions are based on sound reason using high moral and ethical standards. According to Jim Kimberly, the founder of Sapphire Consulting, a well-known workforce performance consulting firm, leadership is about respect and trust. No more socializing, gossiping, or gripe sessions with co-workers; instead, focus on setting professional boundaries and be a role model for team members.

Be a visionary. An effective manager develops a vision for the future, understands how the business needs change in order to follow the vision, and creatively transforms the vision into a plan of action. Steve Jobs of Apple is a prime example. He transformed the former Apple Computer company into a multi-faceted consumer products company; no longer focusing on just the personal computer, but creating nifty, user-friendly, desirable products from iPods, to iPhones, to iPads.

So if your goal is to snag the next managerial position or if you are just starting out and want to build your reputation in the management field - develop these qualities and find success!

Bowling, Nakia. The Makings of a Good Manager. The Miami Times http://www.miaminewtimes.com/. November 21, 2007, Volume 85, Issue 11, pg. 5D

Kimberly, James. From Young Gun to Top Dog. Business NH Magazine http://www.unisa.edu.au/management/icmoe/default.asp. November 2010, Volume 27, Issue 11, pp. 36-37.

Ng. Luke. Best Management Practices. The Journal of Management Development http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?issn=0262-1711. 2011. Volume 30, Issue 1, pp 93-105.

Wood, John, and Vilkinas, Tricia. Characteristics Associated with CEO Success. The Journal of Management Development http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?issn=0262-1711. 2007. Volume 26, Issue 3, pp 213-227.