For many people, the idea of leading others in the workplace is neither something they crave or feel they would excel at. Then there is the other group of individuals that understand management is where they would shine, and where they could really be their best self in the workplace. If you’re the type that dreams of one day leading a team and landing a management role, then there are a number of things you can work on and perfect that can help you to be successful in your goals.

One such career that could put you in the role of a leader is a business manager. Not only can this be a very rewarding job, but it’s also one that is projected to enjoy job growth over the next few years, especially in key areas of the country. This can be attributed to an aging labour force that will be entering into retirement, thereby opening up jobs, and just by general growth and expansion.

Of course, the fact that the industry is growing isn’t going to be enough to get you that dream job; you also need the right skillset. So, what are the skills you need to be a successful business manager? Here’s a closer look.

Excel at Multi-Tasking

While this may seem like a simple enough skill, it is amazing how many people can get ruffled or stressed out when faced with multitasking. Being able to multitask is among the most important of the skills a business manager must have, as you are constantly dealing with a handful of issues and pressing matters at once. You need to be able to give each one your full attention and not let the stress of it get to you.

Strong Organizational Skills

This skill ties in with multitasking, as you also need to have strong organisational skills. Because you have so many things happening at one time, they need to be organised in a manner that you can quickly find information, statistics, contact information, customer analytics, and more, quickly and smoothly.

Hands-On Experience in the Industry

Another skill that employers are looking for when hiring a business manager is hands-on experience. It’s quite difficult to bill yourself as a leader in the industry if you haven’t yet worked in the industry. That doesn’t mean you need experience as a manager, but you at least need time in the field to build upon your knowledge, skills, and talents.

It can be helpful to even start that hands-on experience and training while pursuing your Masters in Business Management online. It just gives people that extra edge over the competition when it comes time to job hunt. You can find out more about this qualification by visiting Aston University Online.

The Ability to Make Informed Decisions

As a leader, it’s also up to you to make decisions, and these need to be thought-out and based on facts. With that said, there will also be circumstances that can arise where quick and decisive action is taken, and a strong business manager needs to feel confident in this kind of scenario as well.

Exceptional Communication Skills

There is also the category of communication skills – which includes speaking, listening, and writing. Each of these needs to be exceptional in order to make your messaging clear and also understand what it is your employees, clients/customers, vendors, suppliers, and partners are communicating back to you.

The good news about communication skills is this is one you can perfect over time. It’s the kind of skill where practice will really pay off.

The Ability to Motivate Employees

While much of the focus of a business manager may be on decision making, experience, and communication skills, there is also the fact you need to be an effective leader. What this means is that you lead with confidence, you have the trust of your employees, and perhaps most importantly, you are able to motivate them. You want to inspire rather than instill fear in them. Employees that feel motivated, and believe in what they are doing are going to be much more productive than those working in fear.

A Well-Rounded Candidate

By working on each of these skills, and doing what you can to better your abilities, you will in fact be making yourself a more well-rounded candidate for a business manager position. It also means that once you do land that dream job, you’ll be much more successful in your career and be able to look forward to a long and productive future.