Six Key Skills That Make Up the 80/20 of Management

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Unlocking the full potential of your leadership capabilities involves focusing on six skills that form the backbone of effective management. By honing these areas, you can inspire your team, achieve organisational goals, and foster both personal and professional growth. Let’s dive deeper into each of these essential skills and explore how they can transform your leadership journey.

1. Manage Performance

Performance management is more than just keeping an eye on the numbers; it's about understanding the story behind them. Effective leaders set clear expectations and provide regular feedback to guide their teams. Recognising achievements is crucial, as it not only boosts morale but also reinforces positive behaviours.

Deep Dive: Implement a continuous feedback loop rather than annual reviews. Use tools like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) to align individual goals with company objectives. This approach ensures everyone knows their role in the bigger picture, enhancing motivation and clarity.

2. Manage Potential

While performance management focuses on the present, managing potential is about future-proofing your team. Identifying and nurturing individual strengths can lead to sustainable growth and innovation within your organisation.

Deep Dive: Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to discuss career aspirations and development opportunities. Create a mentorship programme to foster talent and encourage cross-departmental learning. By investing in your team’s growth, you cultivate loyalty and reduce turnover.

3. Manage Yourself

Leadership starts with self-awareness. To lead others effectively, you must first manage your own time, emotions, and priorities. This involves developing emotional intelligence and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Deep Dive: Practice mindfulness techniques to enhance focus and reduce stress. Set aside time for self-reflection to evaluate your leadership style and areas for improvement. By modelling self-management, you set a standard for your team to follow.

4. Manage Conflict

Conflict is inevitable in any team setting, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. Leaders who handle disagreements constructively can turn tension into a catalyst for innovation and stronger relationships.

Deep Dive: Train in active listening and conflict resolution techniques. Encourage open dialogue and create a safe space for team members to voice concerns. Focus on shared goals to navigate conflicts and build a culture of trust and openness.

5. Manage Output

Efficient leaders prioritise outcomes over micromanaging processes. Empowering your team to deliver results fosters a sense of ownership and accountability.

Deep Dive: Implement agile methodologies to streamline workflows and increase flexibility. Delegate tasks based on team members’ strengths and interests, and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy. This approach not only enhances productivity but also prevents burnout.

6. Manage Up

Leadership extends beyond your immediate team. Managing up involves effectively communicating with senior stakeholders and aligning your team’s efforts with organisational priorities.

Deep Dive: Develop strong communication skills to articulate your team’s needs and achievements. Frame challenges with potential solutions to gain buy-in from leadership. By managing up, you secure the resources and support necessary for your team’s success.

The 80/20 Principle in Action

Focusing on these six skills allows leaders to achieve the majority of their desired outcomes with minimal effort. These skills are interconnected, creating a ripple effect that enhances overall team performance and morale. For instance, managing yourself better equips you to handle conflicts, while managing potential naturally boosts performance management.

Takeaway

Mastering these skills isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about making consistent progress. Start by identifying which area needs the most attention and commit to improvement. Over time, you’ll notice how small changes lead to significant results, empowering you and your team to thrive.