It is important to possess several kinds of talents to use as you become more comfortable in your managerial role. Management skills can be broken down to task skills, people skills and ethics.

Task Skills

*Time management is an important management skill to possess. On average managers are interrupted multiple times a day from the immediate task they are handling. With these kinds of constant interruptions it is important to learn how to use time wisely in order to keep up with the various demands a manager experience.

It will be important to effectively balance phone calls, meetings, e-mails and other kinds of conferences with daily work which may include scheduling, budgets and strategic planning to name a few. If you can master the concept of constructive time management, you'll be well on your way to becoming a good manager.

*Organization is one of those skills that vary greatly. One manager's definition of organization is handy post-its and "organized" disorganization, while another defines organization as color coded file folders and online "to do" lists. There are pros and cons to each, but what's most important is you choose a method of organization which works for you and stick with it.

*The art of delegation is a fine line to walk. Effective managers know when to let go of tasks and let someone else handle them to free them up to do something more pressing. It is OK to relinquish some control and empower your employees. The ability to delegate authority but maintain responsibility is an essential management skill.

*Technical skills are important in this high tech age we live in. As a result it is vital to have comprehensive computer skills. Sure there

are still some people who can manage to get by with letting an assistant handle anything relating to the computer, but this is rapidly deteriorating. Understanding the basics of computing and having a general knowledge of the power of what information systems can do is becoming increasingly important.

With important managerial tools such as supply chain management, customer relationship management, executive support system and decision support system software, it is wise to get an in-depth understanding of how these tools work. Not to mention everyday skills such as file management, e-mail and messaging programs, it has become harder and harder to manage without at least having a basic understanding of technology.

Today's managers must need to understand the power of technology and the ways it can provide a competitive edge. Technology is here to stay and the time has come to embrace what it can do.

People Skills

When working in a managerial position it is vital to understand people. If you can't appreciate the value of your employees and colleagues, this will ultimately work against you. Sure managers are also about understanding financial figures and statistics, but being able to successfully work with people is a crucial part of management.

If you can cultivate an environment which promotes team work, open communication and active listening, you'll be well on your way to possessing these essential management skills to operate in an organizational setting.

*Communication is a vital facet of being an effective leader, and the ability to maintain open communication is one of the more important managerial skills. If you run your department or business with emphasis on open, shared and welcomed communication, this will alleviate many problems, misconceptions or misunderstandings.

When issues arise in the workplace, quite often it is usually poor communication is at the root of the problem. If you can nurture an environment where both management and employees can come together to discuss problems and come to solutions, you're well on your way to being successful.

*Listening is another vital skill. It is important a manager not just "hear" what is being said but to really listen and internalize it. When your employees feel as if you are approachable, you will find fewer problems arise. Don't make your employees, partners or customers feel as if you are aloof or just pacifying them, truly listen to what they have to say and work with them as you listento their concerns.

*Soft skills are the less tangible skills, and while they are not necessarily skills you can obtain through training or lessons, they are nonetheless pretty important abilities to possess. Soft skills include habits, interaction with people, compassion, linguistic skills, interpersonal skills and overall all the attributes which make people look up to you as a leader
There is some debate on whether these "soft skills" can be learned or if good leaders are born with them. If you can tap into your inner self and nurture these skills, they will indeed help you be a good manager.

Ethics

While profits and favorable reports are vital for any business, it is important to remember to practice strong ethics too. Some managers get so wrapped up in making their deliverables look good they lose sight of the other important aspects of doing business and can do serious damage to the company if they neglect practicing good ethics.