A thorough management professional, Prof. (Dr.) Daviender Narang is working as a Professor and Director at Jaipuria Institute of Management, Ghaziabad. He has a rich experience of 22 years in the field of academics and management, especially in the best business and management institutes of India and abroad. He has experience of establishing successful management business schools. He has worked on a World Bank-supported project on capacity-building in Ethiopia for two years. He holds two post-graduate degrees in Business Economics and Finance & Control. He has a Ph.D in Economics and his contribution to research focuses on banking efficiency in India. His areas of expertise are security analysis, corporate finance, banking, research methodology and mutual funds.
The pandemic has completely changed the dynamics of work and life. Going forward management skills will be the new currency for which up-skilling, learning new technology will be a top priority for organizations in the current scenario. In today’s tech-savvy world, management skills such as leadership skills, decision making skills, critical thinking, people management, problem solving skills, digital skills are highly essential to achieve success in life. Effective management skills are not only instrumental in driving companies to heights of success, but equally contribute to the career progression of employees. Possessing these skills prepares professionals to take on higher-level roles across industries. Honing these skills can prove beneficial for one’s career.
Following are the ways to hone management skills and better achieve in life:
Sharpen communication skills
Effective communication skills are an asset for students, irrespective of whether they are aiming to become a management professional or not. Professionals who are about to take up the role of a manager or aspire to do so must have excellent communication skills. A person who communicates well is an ever confident person. Possessing effective communication skills will also ensure that discussions are handled successfully, meetings are attended, conflicts are resolved competently, ensuring the smooth functioning of business operations. However, communication skills are not restricted to an individual at a managerial position, but also requires managers to create professional communication channels within the organization to ensure effective collaboration with team members. Now the question arises, how to develop communication skills? The answer is easy and convenient. All it needs is one’s orientation towards communication skills. Many students still undervalue communication as a management skill. So, they end up neglecting communication skills in the preparation of their career. The good news is that communication is a skill that can be learned and developed. Public speaking groups, business writing courses and increasing your overall awareness of how you communicate best can go a long way. There is also a wealth of technology to help you connect with your employees and offer them clear direction.
Strengthen interpersonal skills
According to the World Economic Forum, people management is one of the top 10 skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce. Interpersonal or human skills will allow students to interact effectively and work efficiently in their workplace. Furthermore, it helps students to use human potential to the advantage of the organization and enhance employee productivity. Students can improve interpersonal skills by increasing their acceptance level, connecting with more people through LinkedIn, other social networking sites. Students can practice talking to people, empathizing with colleagues. Active listening can help students to increase interpersonal skills.
Upgrade Decision making ability
Prudent decision making is a crucial management skill. Knowing how to analyze a complex business problems, planning new program and implementing a plan for moving forward are the day to day activities of a manager. This involves engaging your team members in the decision-making process. It invites diverse perspectives and debate, and stimulates creative problem-solving.
Digital Skills
Digital skills facilitate professionals to develop wide knowledge over a variety of tools and techniques which can be used to achieve project goals. These skills are not confined to the knowledge of how to operate machines and use the software, but also includes skills such as planning, boosting sales, designing/redesigning various products and services and implementing marketing efforts to promote them, building good will with people, solving people’s problem with click of a mouse. The future of work where technology is reshaping our lives is already here. Hence, it is more critical than ever to develop a learning mindset to remain competitive in digital age. The workplaces were already changing, and COVID-19 catapulted the process of digitalization overnight.
Being resilient
In a VUCA world, it is imperative for the students to learn to accept failures and move forward. Challenges are an important part of life. In today’s time, students find it difficult to accept challenge, confront obstacles. This leads to many suicide cases in educational institutions. Students need to develop their mental strength which would enable them to handle problems in life.
Focus on Personal Branding
Students today need to display readiness towards a serious and professional responsibility. They can work on their personal branding while displaying and showcasing their skills, learning and lessons. They need to focus on reskilling, up skilling. There are many online education providers available in the market. They can do courses form these online education platforms such as Udemy, CourseEra, NPTEL and so on.