The fundamental people skills needed by managers and leaders

Effective leadership and management are built on a solid foundation of people skills. Wherever an individual sits in an organisation, the ability to communicate respectfully, take ownership, focus on solutions and contribute positively to the organisation is paramount. These essential skills define how managers lead, inspire and collaborate with others and fostering them will lay a firm foundation for organisational leadership.??

1 – Mindset of ownership and accountability ?

A critical attribute for managers is a mindset of ownership and accountability and how they take responsibility for their actions and those of their team, without passing the blame or making excuses when challenges arise.??

Ownership can be demonstrated in several ways:?

• Encouraging team responsibility: Managers who lead with an ownership mindset promote accountability within their teams, empowering employees to take responsibility for their roles and outcomes.??
• Proactively addressing issues: With this mindset, managers proactively monitor the work environment, assess risks and take corrective actions before problems escalate.?
• Admitting mistakes: Accountability also involves acknowledging when mistakes happen, taking responsibility for them and focusing on how to prevent similar issues in the future.??

2 – Solution-focused thinking

A solution-oriented mindset is essential for effective leadership. Managers at all levels will face challenges. The most successful leaders are those who stay focused on finding and implementing solutions rather than getting bogged down by obstacles.?

• Positive problem-solving: Solution-focused managers approach any situation with a can-do attitude. They encourage creative thinking and inspire their teams to see challenges as opportunities for growth.?
• Collaborative solutions: Solution-focused managers understand that the best answers often come from collaboration. They involve their teams in brainstorming and problem-solving, ensuring that multiple perspectives are considered.?
• Future-focused: These leaders are adept at finding immediate solutions and also anticipate future obstacles or considerations. They think strategically and are always considering long-term impacts and opportunities.?

These managers turn a challenge into a success or find innovative ways to address difficult situations.??

3- Respectful and clear communication ??

At the heart of any great manager’s toolkit is respectful communication. How a manager communicates reflects their leadership style and directly impacts workplace culture. Respectful communication fosters trust, collaboration and a positive work environment.?

• Active listening: Respectful communication begins with listening. Managers who truly listen to their team members show that they value their input and concerns.??
• Clarity and transparency: Managers need to communicate clearly, ensuring that everyone understands expectations, goals and feedback.??
• Respectful feedback: Providing constructive feedback is an essential skill. Managers who can balance honesty with empathy encourage growth while maintaining morale.??

4 – Contributing positively to the organisation and team members ??

The best managers contribute to the success of their team and the organisation as a whole. This mindset reflects a desire to make a meaningful impact and help others succeed.?

• Mentorship and support: Managers who invest in their employees’ development mentor, coach and provide opportunities for growth, fostering a sense of belonging and commitment.?
• Team collaboration: Contribution-minded managers are collaborative by nature. They recognise that collective success is greater than individual achievements.?
• Organisational loyalty: These leaders align their efforts with the organisation’s vision and values, working for the advancement of the organisation’s goals.?

5 – Demonstrating these skills through positive, solution-oriented communication ??

The way managers show ownership, solution-focused thinking, respect and contribution is reflected in their communication style.

• Positive, solution-oriented communication is a hallmark of effective leadership. It encompasses the ability to frame discussions around solutions rather than focusing solely on the problems.?
• Empowering language: Managers who are solution-focused use empowering language, motivating their teams to tackle challenges head-on and reassuring them that obstacles can be overcome.?
• Positivity at all times: A manager’s ability to remain calm, positive and forward-thinking during tough situations is critical. Positive communication helps to prevent team members from feeling overwhelmed and ensures a collective focus on moving forward.?

A good manager consistently communicates in ways that inspire confidence, creativity and optimism.?

A mindset of ownership, accountability, solution-focused thinking and respectful communication enhances the manager’s ability to lead and sets a strong example for the entire team. Recruiting managers who demonstrate these qualities and nurturing them through training programmes ensures long-term success, productivity and a positive organisational culture. Ultimately, it is the way these skills are communicated to others that distinguishes great leaders.

Developing an Optimal Mindset of ownership and responsibility, optimism and solution focus, respect for others and a true belief in making a difference can be learned and enhanced through our Mindset, Language & Actions training programmes. We help managers build sophistication in how they show this mindset to others through Positive 1st Communication so they and their teams can positively manage anything that comes their way at work.??

Find out here how our Mindset, Language & Actions Toolkit supports effective management development.?