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After graduating with a Master in Business Administration (MBA) concentrating in finance and investment management, it was imperative for me to assume a higher role that allowed me to expand my creativity, strategy, and of course leadership. For those individuals who are looking to progress within your company, the most important advice I can give you is to develop your managerial skills. In reality, the opportunity to undertake a supervisor position can be arduous and difficult. Having assumed one just a few year after my MBA program, I found myself managing 250 employees. Though difficult at times, the experience has helped shaped me in becoming the professional I am today.

So what is management?

Management, by definition, is the administration and coordination of employees in accomplishing various daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly objectives. In addition, much of the responsibilities will include strategic planning, strong logistical skills, staffing, and leading, directing, and inspiring employees to your overall targeted goal. As easy as this can be stated, the task in itself can be incredibly difficult. Whether it is a small group of twenty or a large group of a thousand, you need to make sure you are clear, transparent, and confident in every aspect of your work. Below, I have listed the four main focuses that will set you up for success in managing any type of group.

bigstock-young-business-man-leader-of-a-45048118I. Clarify Your Role

When assuming a managerial role, it is vital that you establish yourself as a leader for your employees. As a leader, you need to bring a certain energy and confidence for your employees. In most situations, you will find that many of those working underneath you are highly talented individuals who know what they are doing, and at times, can be resistant to change. If you ever find yourself in this situation, make sure you clarify your role and your responsibilities. Handling this particular head-on can mitigate any misunderstanding in the future. Furthermore, as a leader, you also need to be knowledgeable of your team and employees. If anyone comes to you for help, you need to know how to best assist them to their goals.

II. Long Term Planning and Future Goals

Before you can effectively manage a team, you must ensure that your group has internalized your overall goal for the company. As a leader, having an established overarching goal will allow you to strategically plan the appropriate steps needed for you and your team. Furthermore, having your team under a specific target will clarify any confusion and answer any why questions for future assigned task.

87618993III. Building Relationships

Once you have settled in your managerial position and established those short term and long-term goals, it would be to your best interest in building strong relationships with your team. The overwhelming determinant of whether or not you will be an effective and successful team manager has to do with your interpersonal and social skills. This can be done very effortlessly through one-on-ones or team meetings in which you can gage the morale of the group as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the individual. Remember, it takes an army to win a war. To be successful, you need to understand the people behind each task. Having that necessary trust and bond with your group will eventually aid you in the long run.

IV. Inspire

As a manager, there will be a variety of highs and lows. Your role, therefore, and your essential skills, will be to help fulfill the potential of your team by influencing and inspiring your group each and every day. This begins with the idea of transparency. Having an honest relationship of what is working and what is not will push your employees in achieving peak performances. Furthermore, your inspiration, and your employees, comes from within. Make sure they understand that the work they do is valued and recognize. Any type of selfish motives could potentially impact the work culture and eventually your company’s goals. Lastly, keep in mind that you are their leader. At the hardest of times, you need to keep them going. Be aware of everyone’s status and what they need to be successful.