Management: What Is It And Examples

Management positions are essential in every organization, regardless of the industry. But what does it truly mean to be a manager? While the specific duties of managers can vary based on their field and expertise, successful managers typically share several core skills and attributes.

One of the main advantages of pursuing a career in management is the ever-present demand for skilled managers. Effective management is crucial for organizational success, ensuring that there will always be opportunities aligned with your skill set.

Management roles also offer flexibility, with positions available in diverse industries and work environments, each requiring different skill sets. This diversity allows you to leverage your strengths in various management contexts, as there is no single definition of what a manager does.

Key Takeaways:

• Management involves leading, coordinating, and administering tasks to achieve organizational goals.

• The five core operations of management include goal setting, organization, team management, goal tracking, and leadership.

• Effective management relies on concepts such as KPI reporting and effective communication.

• Management styles vary widely, including coaching, bureaucratic, and inspirational approaches.

• Management can be categorized into three levels: executive, mid, and lower.

What Is Management?

In the business world, management refers to the process of leading, coordinating, and administering tasks to achieve specific goals. Effective management requires leaders to possess strong leadership qualities and organizational skills to align employees, finances, and resources effectively.

Some consider management an applied science governed by specific methodologies, while others view it as an art that allows each manager to employ their unique skills and style to solve problems.

Regardless of the perspective, successful managers excel at coordinating people and resources to meet objectives, which can range from short-term targets, like achieving monthly sales quotas, to long-term initiatives, such as implementing new operational workflows.

Management can also refer to a position within a company’s hierarchy. In this context, management roles focus less on the broad skills mentioned earlier and more on specific responsibilities associated with mid-level management. While there can be overlaps, the skills required may differ significantly.

Five Basic Operations of a Manager

Managers juggle numerous responsibilities, often grouped into five key areas. Here’s what you can expect as a manager:

1. Goal Setting: This is crucial, as much of a manager’s work revolves around achieving these goals. Managers must coordinate efforts to reach objectives, so understanding what those goals are is essential. A manager’s effectiveness hinges on their ability to set realistic and impactful goals.

2. Organization: For managers, organization goes beyond just keeping priorities in order. Balancing multiple people and tasks simultaneously requires exceptional multitasking skills. They are responsible for the success of their teams, which involves delegating tasks, ensuring alignment, and maintaining oversight.

3. Team Management: Managers must excel in interpersonal skills and team leadership. If you thrive in collaborative environments, management could be a fulfilling path. Managers oversee teamwork dynamics and resolve conflicts when they arise. Team management skills are essential for achieving positive outcomes.

4. Goal Tracking: Monitoring progress towards goals is vital for assessing a manager’s and their team’s effectiveness. Understanding how to set and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) is a fundamental skill for any successful manager.

5. Leadership Skills: Managers work closely with diverse individuals, requiring them to possess the ability to coach and nurture each employee’s development. Ultimately, managers aim to foster growth and advancement within the company, making inspirational leadership skills vital.

Management Concepts

When reviewing job descriptions for managerial positions, certain skills and responsibilities frequently emerge, regardless of the industry. Here are examples of common qualities that organizations seek in managers:

• Leading teams to achieve predetermined or manager-defined objectives

• Coaching and mentoring direct reports

• Facilitating team-building initiatives

• Engaging in cross-functional or interdepartmental collaboration

• Clearly communicating goals and progress

• Recruiting and onboarding new team members

• Reporting on KPIs

• Providing support to teams

• Fostering a safe and compliant workplace

• Meeting financial objectives or guiding projects within budgetary constraints

• Creating opportunities for career development

• Training new hires

• Planning and allocating resources effectively

Management Styles

With a multitude of management styles available, each manager brings their unique approach to leadership. While each individual has their style, there are several broad classifications of management styles. Regardless of your style, you can refine your techniques to enhance your effectiveness as a manager. Here are some prevalent management styles:

• Directive: This style emphasizes a clear lead and a well-defined hierarchy. Directive managers concentrate on outcomes and results, ensuring their teams meet strict deadlines and clear objectives. A well-known example is Bill Gates, who led with a clear vision.

• Coaching: As the name suggests, coaching managers prioritize the growth of their team members. They are attuned to their team’s strengths, weaknesses, and development opportunities, aiming to maximize each individual’s potential. Managers who adopt this style are adept at setting clear goals, fostering a positive environment, and motivating their teams.

• Bureaucratic: Managers with this style prefer structured roles and responsibilities. Bureaucratic managers value close supervision and clearly defined processes, often found in industries where regulatory compliance is paramount, such as healthcare or government.

• Servant Leadership: This relatively modern approach places the needs of team members first. Servant leaders strive to support their teams by creating a fulfilling work environment that encourages productivity. Individuals with strong interpersonal skills and empathy often thrive in this role.

• Inspirational: Inspirational leaders set ambitious goals and allow team members the freedom to determine how to achieve them. They provide substantial support to help their teams find solutions without enforcing a specific method.

Three Layers of Management

The size of a company often dictates the presence of three distinct levels of management. This hierarchy is more about experience and responsibility than skill level. After entering a management role, there are opportunities for advancement to higher management tiers.

• Executive-Level: At the top of the hierarchy are the executives or senior managers responsible for setting overall organizational goals and supervising subordinate teams. This includes high-level positions such as President, Vice President, CEO, CFO, and other senior roles.

• Mid-Level: Mid-level managers operate under executives yet oversee their departments or teams. They must balance the objectives set by senior executives with the needs of their teams, ensuring smooth communication across the organization.

• Low-Level: These managers focus primarily on daily operations and managing smaller teams to meet the goals established by mid-level and executive managers. They frequently maintain the closest contact with their teams, ensuring coordination and alignment towards common objectives.

Tips for Being a Good Manager

Regardless of your level of management or your personal style, several key practices can enhance your effectiveness. Follow these tips to maximize your team’s potential and achieve desired results:

• Be Flexible: Adaptability is a crucial skill for managers. Since everyone has different working styles, finding ways to align your approach with your team members’ is essential for success. Being a good compromiser and maintaining flexibility fosters positive relationships with diverse individuals.

• Find Balance: Recognizing that each team member has a unique working style necessitates a balanced leadership approach. Instead of adhering rigidly to one management style, consider blending elements from various styles to accommodate your team’s needs.

• Trust Your Team: It can be challenging to relinquish control, but allowing employees to tackle problems in their own way is essential. While compromises may be necessary, giving team members autonomy fosters innovation and growth.

• Meet Regularly: Regular meetings are an effective way to build rapport with your team. Meeting consistently allows for professional and personal connections, ultimately improving team cohesion and performance.

• Communicate: Clear and timely communication is paramount. Keep your team informed about changes or feedback, and ensure clarity in your discussions. This includes actively listening to their concerns and ideas.

• Know When to Help: Occasionally, stepping in to assist a team member is necessary and should not be perceived negatively. Recognizing when to provide guidance can enhance overall results and support team development.

Types Of Management Jobs

1. Business Manager
   Average Yearly Salary: $83,198

   Business managers oversee daily operations, set goals, evaluate employees, and monitor processes. Their role involves attending meetings to receive updates from team leads, delegating tasks, prioritizing objectives, planning budgets, and maintaining a strategic focus.

   Find business manager jobs near me

2. Engineering Manager
   Average Yearly Salary: $139,328

   An engineering manager leads engineering teams, supervising their work and developing innovative solutions. They collaborate with scientists and technicians to coordinate machine designs, civil project plans, production, and quality control.

   Find engineering manager jobs near me

3. Senior Software Manager
   Average Yearly Salary: $145,610

   Senior software managers shape and implement software strategies to meet organizational IT needs. Their responsibilities include overseeing software developers, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring seamless integration of new software.

   Find senior software manager jobs near me

4. Finance Manager
   Average Yearly Salary: $101,374

   Finance managers are responsible for managing an organization’s financial health. Their duties include generating reports, conducting research, and devising effective financial strategies. They also track financial performance to identify areas for improvement and assist executives in making informed decisions based on the organization’s financial status.

   Find finance manager jobs near me

5. Human Resource Manager
   Average Yearly Salary: $80,442

   Human resources managers plan, direct, and coordinate administrative functions. They oversee the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of new staff, collaborate with executives on strategic planning, and serve as a bridge between management and employees.

   Find human resource manager jobs near me

Author

Amanda Covaleski

Amanda is a writer with experience in various industries, including travel, real estate, and career advice. After taking on internships and entry-level jobs, she is familiar with the job search process and landing that crucial first job. Included in her experience is work at an employer/intern matching startup where she marketed an intern database to employers and supported college interns looking for work experience.