Learning begins with you. You must make a commitment to your personal growth. Personal development means that a high level of energy, persistence and a positive outlook are displayed. Ways to improve are sought. Ability to learn from mistakes and to take action from constructive criticism.

• Brings a high energy level to the workplace. Handles stress. Strives to maintain a healthy well being and balance.
• Show commitment to the company’s mission through attitude and actions.
• Takes an active approach to solving problems.
• Reacts positively to setbacks.
• Learns from mistakes. Avoid blaming others.
• Learns from criticism. Recognizes that self-perceptions of performance maybe different from the perceptions of others.
• Commitment to lifelong learning. Keeps growing and changing.

Developing others means that the attributes of coaching, guiding, acknowledging, and leading are all demonstrated. Timely, objective reviews are provided. Training is made available. A positive atmosphere is promoted and enthusiastic attitudes expected.

• Cultivates individual talents. Promotes the building of ones strengths.
• Motivates others to succeed.

Producing results means that consistent action is taken toward the objectives. Decisions are made promptly. Obstacles are removed to produce high-quality, beneficial results.

• Takes action. Plans ahead. Knows when to adjust plans.
• Exercises initiative, does not wait to be told what to do. Understands when and where they can contribute in someone else’s area of responsibility by pitching in. Goes beyond what is expected.
• Handles problems responsively. Looks for solutions, doesn’t waste time with blame or complaints.
• Understands and responds to the customer.
• Provides a focus on quality. Sets clear expectations and sets realistic, yet stretch goals.
• Leads with purpose. Goes the extra mile. Stays on course eliminating distractions. Seeks feedback from customers.

Task management involves using resources, technology and time efficiently. Makes use of new information, seeks to learn quickly and apply new information appropriately.

• Works efficiently. Uses current technology. Chooses outside resources wisely. Set priorities and avoids procrastination
• Works competently. Understands and masters the basic fundamentals of the position. Can promptly apply new information to the appropriate task or area.

The role of interpersonal skills in management cannot be ignored. Any manager doing an effective job and interested in enhancing their leadership must focus on building personal relationships. Building personal relationships means that you need to demonstrate caring and empathy for others. It is important to be considerate of other’s feelings and use tact in all interactions. Be aware of your biases and work hard not to let them interfere with your interface with others. Building personal relationships means that you show composure even under stress.

• Be aware and sense the impact of words and actions on others. Acknowledge others for their work, motivating. Listening clearly and intently. Taking the high road to apologize if a word or action is insensitive.
• Shows respect for all.
• Provides feedback and criticism constructively.
• Be grounded and calm. Do not let emotions rule the situation and escalate a situation.

Adaptability means that you can be flexible. As circumstances change you can adjust. You can handle diversity well. It also means being creative, thinking creatively.

• Adjust to your manger’s and employee’s diverse work styles. Adjust to different work environments – the office, the manufacturing floor, the client’s location. Handle changing circumstances involving setbacks. Think constructively and anticipate change. Look for what changes may be coming.
• Think outside of the box, think from a different point of view. Engage your imagination with “what if?” and other questions. Analyze and take risks. Try something new.

Strong leadership means that you can instill trust in others, provide solid direction with clear expectations and delegate. You must begin to develop your interpersonal skills to be effective in management.

• Instill trust by working honestly and ethically. You must be trusted to keep promises and maintain confidentiality.

• Provide solid directions for work to be done by establishing clear expectations. Outline the bigger steps or milestone toward a goal. Provide a watch over the workload making sure it is manageable and progress is being made toward the overall vision.

• Delegate work to others based on their strengths or competencies. Putting the right person on the right job. Provide the big picture, the big steps and then get out of the way. Empower others to work and solve any problems on their own.

Effective communication means that you can express your thoughts and ideas clearly, both written and oral. Your speaking and writing must be thorough and concise. Your approach to your communication should be consistent and straightforward. Speak and write what you believe. Let your integrity show through. And I believe, to be an effective communicator you should always be open to sharing information with others.

• Write clearly, concisely and accurately. Spell properly and use proper grammar
• Speak effectively to groups. Watch your audience, connect with them, know your topic well. Practice.
• Speak effectively to individuals. Provide timely feedback. Ask questions to engage and ensure their understanding. Watch for non verbal clues about their reaction to your communication. Define your communication as a request (an action they will agree to take on), a promise (an action you promise to take on) or information only.

Take the time to improve your business writing skills and consistently practice improving your business speaking skills.

There are eight main management competencies and eighteen supporting skill sets that all developing leaders should be aware of and begin to master:

1. Effective Communication

• Listens to Others
• Processes Information
• Communicates Effectively

2. Strong Leadership

• Instills Trust
• Provides Direction
• Delegates Responsiblity

3. Adaptability

• Adjusts to Circumstances
• Thinks Creatively

4. Relationships

• Builds Personal Relationships
• Facilitates Team Success

5. Task Management

• Works Efficiently
• Works Competently

6. Producing Results

• Takes Action
• Achieves Results

7. Development of Others

• Cultivates Individual Talents
• Motivates Successfully

8. Personal Development

• Displays Commitment
• Seeks Improvement