When discussing senior management skills, the focus is often on hard skills and technical expertise. However, it is crucial to recognize the importance of leadership ability in effective management. Effective leadership goes beyond technical knowledge and plays a significant role in determining the success of senior managers.

In college business degree programs from high-quality academic institutions, students gain expertise in applied statistics, technology, and strategic advantage as well as the essential leadership skills necessary to excel. 

The Center for Creative Leadership emphasizes the need for senior managers to “lead in ways that build on your experience but also go beyond it.” 

The Best Leaders Bring a Blend of Management Skills to the Job

Those promoted to senior management positions face a challenging set of responsibilities. Their success is not limited to personal career growth but also hinges on the success of other managers, employees, and the organization as a whole. 

Alongside the technical, business, and digital skills expected of senior leaders, several other skills can contribute to achieving these goals.

According to a report by the Project Management Institute, the most sought-after professionals possess a combination of technical, leadership, business, digital, and people skills. While the report primarily focuses on project managers, its findings can be applied to all senior leaders. The following four skill areas emerged as the most frequently cited in-demand skills:

  • Technical. This includes a deep understanding of senior management strategies, tools, and techniques.
  • Leadership. The ability to understand, motivate, communicate with, and mentor employees.
  • Business. Proficiency in all fundamental operations of a business.
  • Digital. Knowledge of innovative technologies, their application to the business, and an awareness of the opportunities and limitations they present.

In addition to these, the Center for Creative Leadership identifies four critical senior management skills for success. They include self-awareness—recognizing how leadership behavior impacts organizational outcomes—and high-level communication with a diverse and often remote workforce.

The Center also noted that the ability to persuade others and promote ideas and strategies effectively is critical for success, along with “learning agility” for applying knowledge in new and innovative ways.

The Importance of Delegation and Teamwork

Delegation and teamwork are key to management success. The notion of a business leader achieving success in isolation is a myth. Collaboration and teamwork are crucial for building on ideas and achieving business success. Good senior managers identify talented employees, nurture their skills, and delegate authority to them when appropriate.

Senior managers should make mentoring an integral part of their role. Successful managers foster an environment where knowledge is shared and ambitious, talented individuals have opportunities to contribute to the company’s success.

Critical thinking is another essential management skill. As managers assume leadership roles, the ability to solve problems and make sound decisions becomes pivotal. Critical thinking involves weighing various opinions in a collaborative effort, considering all factors, and making well-informed choices.

Steps to Improve Leadership Skills

The best leaders also hone their soft skills. These include communication, empathy, emotional intelligence, leading by example, and the ability to understand diverse viewpoints. 

Senior managers can explore various avenues for developing soft skills:

Read more. Reading nonfiction books about leaders and their industries can provide valuable insights. Reading fiction can help build empathy and understanding of a wide range of diverse viewpoints. 

Unplug. Taking time away from the constant distractions of technology can help senior leaders recharge and enhance their creativity.

Write a plan. Creating an annual written statement that outlines responsibilities, goals, strategies, and provides guidance, helping senior leaders stay focused.

Listen more. Senior managers must prioritize active listening over excessive talking.

Top managers expertly combine technical and soft skills. By refining a mix of leadership and management skills, senior managers can become more effective at driving growth and inspiring their teams to achieve their goals.

The Online Business Management Program From NMU Global Campus

The Bachelor of Science in Management from NMU Global Campus develops leadership and decision-making skills through a flexible, online format. The program blends theoretical foundations with practical applications. The program covers financial and managerial accounting, financial management, business law, organizational behavior, marketing, international business, strategic management, and entrepreneurship.

Students can transfer up to 90 credits and engage in industry-relevant internships, learning from experienced faculty. The curriculum prepares graduates to critically evaluate managerial actions and apply decision-making skills in complex settings. 

Graduates of the program are well-equipped for leadership roles across various industries and roles, including financial management, human resources, and marketing management. The program also serves as a strong foundation for those pursuing graduate studies.