Unit 9 Key Managerial Roles and Skills

Instructions

This lesson focuses on defining key managerial roles and skills and understanding the importance of leadership and communication in management. By the end of this lesson, you should be able to describe the essential roles and skills of managers and explain why leadership and communication are vital.

What Bosses Do: The Different Jobs They Have

Ever wonder what a boss really does all day? It's not just about giving orders! A boss often has multiple roles: sometimes they're like the team captain, other times they're the one breaking the latest news, and sometimes they're the person making the big decisions. All these different jobs help a company run smoothly. We can group these roles into three main areas: working with people, dealing with information, and making key choices.

Working with Others (People Jobs):

This is all about how bosses connect with the people they work with, inside and outside the company.

Being a Role Model

Imagine the best player on a team showing up to every practice and working hard. A boss as a role model does something similar. They show up, act professionally, and represent the company well. For example, a company owner might go to a big meeting to show that the company is serious and important.

Being a Guide

Think of a teacher helping students learn. A boss as a guide helps their team know what to do and how to do it well. They encourage them, give them advice, and help them get better at their jobs. For example, a team leader might explain a new project to everyone and answer their questions.

Being a Go-Between

Imagine someone who helps two friends who aren't talking to each other. A boss as a go-between helps different teams or even different companies work together. They build good relationships so that everyone can cooperate. For example, a boss might talk to the boss of another team to make sure their projects work together smoothly.

Working with Information (News Jobs):

This is about how bosses find out things, share what they know, and make sure everyone is informed.

Being an Observer

Think of someone keeping an eye on the weather forecast. A boss as a watcher pays attention to what's happening in the company, with other companies, and in the general business world. They want to know what might affect their team or the company. For example, a sales boss might look at how many things their team is selling and also see what new things other companies are selling.

Being a Sharer

Imagine a friend telling you important news. A boss as a sharer takes the information they have and tells their team what they need to know. This helps everyone do their jobs right and understand what's going on. For example, a project boss might tell their team about a change in the project plan.

Being a Communicator

Think of a classmate in charge of presenting a group project. A boss as a talker shares information about their team or the company with people outside the company, like customers or the public. They need to represent the company well. For example, a company spokesperson might talk to reporters about a new product.

Making Choices (Decision Jobs):

This is about how bosses make decisions that change the company and solve problems.

Being an Idea Person (Entrepreneur)

Think of someone who always has new ideas for games or activities. A boss as an idea person looks for new ways to make the company better or create new things. They are always thinking about what's next. For example, a boss might suggest a new kind of service the company could offer.

Being a Problem Solver

Imagine someone who helps fix a broken toy. A boss as a problem solver steps in when things go wrong or when there are disagreements. They need to find solutions and make things right again. For example, a boss might help two team members who are having a conflict find a way to work together.

Being a Resource Manager

Think of someone deciding how to share a pizza among friends. A boss as a money decider decides how the company's money, people, and things are used. They need to make sure everything is used in the best way. For example, a boss might decide how much money each team can spend on new equipment.

Being a Deal Maker (Negotiator)

Imagine two people trying to agree on something. A boss as a deal maker works with others to reach agreements. This could be about money, work rules, or anything else. For example, a boss might talk to someone from another company to agree on a price for a service.

What Good Bosses Need: The Skills They Use

To do all these different jobs well, bosses need different skills. Here are five important ones:

Knowing the Job

This means understanding the specific work that their team does. For example, a boss of a cooking team should know how to cook. This helps them guide their team and solve problems.

Communicating with People

This is about being able to work well with others. It means being a good listener, understanding how people feel, and helping the team work together. A boss with good people skills can make everyone feel comfortable and motivated.

Thinking Big

This is the ability to see the whole picture of the company and plan for the future. It's about understanding how everything fits together and making smart choices for the long run. This is very important for the top bosses.

Making Good Choices

Bosses have to make decisions all the time, sometimes in tough situations. They need to be able to look at the options and choose the best way forward.

Using Time Wisely

Bosses often have a lot to do. Being able to plan their time, focus on what's important, and meet deadlines is very helpful.

Why Leading and Talking Are Important:

Being a good leader and being able to talk well are like the most important tools for a boss.

Leading: This means guiding your team and making them want to do their best to reach the company's goals. A good leader makes people believe in what they're doing and creates a good place to work.
Talking: This means being able to explain things clearly and listen to others. Good communication skills help everyone understand what's happening, work together better, and solve problems more easily.

Good bosses listen to their team and value what they say. They make everyone feel like they are heard and respected. They also explain the company's plans clearly so everyone knows what they are working towards. When bosses are good leaders and good communicators, the whole company works better.

You’ve just been put in charge of a group project at school. Which of these roles do you think you’ll need to use? Why?

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