6 conceptual skills you should develop to become a better manager

Managing a team of employees or an entire department of your company is not a simple task. As a manager, you have to cultivate a multitude of skills, including organization, delegation, resource allocation, etc. To an outsider, it may seem as if all you do is create schedules and direct employees. But there’s a lot more that goes into managing a workplace. Did you know that successful managers develop a certain set of conceptual skills as well?

What are conceptual skills?

Conceptual skills are abstract thinking abilities that help managers see the bigger picture when faced with a problem. You use conceptual skills to consider new ways of thinking and apply those to solve problems you encounter. Conceptual skills help you approach new situations and identify potential problems that may arise. As a result, you can create plans to solve problems. What are the different types of conceptual skills?

1. Abstract thinking

This is the type of thinking that helps you think outside the box and consider options that you didn’t even know you had. Abstract thinking patterns help you connect the dots and understand different circumstances and challenges. Abstract thinkers can see a complex set of information, analyze it clearly, and devise plans to assist their teams in dealing with the challenges they observe.

2. Logical thinking

Logical thinking enables managers to work out plans that will provide the best benefit to their employers. As a logical thinker, you would not dive into a problem without observing all the available information. Then, you would consider every possible factor and make your own decision about the problem. Logical thinkers are great at analyzing the pros and cons of any plan of action taken to address a situation.

3. Creative thinking

Creative solutions are almost always welcome when an employer is facing an issue. Creative thinking enables you to consider all the innovative options available to solve your problem. Creative thinkers enjoy inspiring their teams to consider alternative solutions to traditional methods. Creative thinking helps managers connect abstract thought and logic together to form viable solutions.

4. Problem-solving

Problem-solving comprises a large part of the day in the life of a manager. Your employees will come to you with their problems expecting answers. When you are an experienced manager, you can observe a problem for a brief period and produce solutions that have been tried and worked on before. Problem-solving is not an easy skill to master. It is a collection of analytical thinking, strategic thinking, and planning skills of an individual.

5. Communication

Managers must have excellent communication skills to share ideas with their team members. It is not enough to simply become a problem solver. You need to be good at communicating those solutions in a way that others feel compelled to try your way of solving things. The effective communication skills of a manager help build trust among their teams and motivate workers to achieve common goals.

6. Time management

Time management is a must-have conceptual skill for any manager. Effective time management ensures that you organize your work properly and meet project deadlines. If you cannot figure out how to use your time effectively to achieve your targets, you will also struggle with the application of other conceptual skills in the workplace. Time management skills involve many elements, such as task prioritization, delegation, and goal setting.