People-Management Skills for New Supervisors: 6 Essentials for Leading with Impact

Did you know that 82% of employees would consider leaving their jobs due to poor management? This statistic may seem daunting if you have recently assumed a managerial role. However, the good news is that effective people-management skills can be developed and honed over time.

If you have just stepped into a supervisory role, you are not alone in feeling the pressure. Leading a team requires more than technical know-how; it calls for people-management skills that drive trust, engagement, and performance. In this article, we will explore people-management skills, their importance, and six key abilities that every new manager should develop. Additionally, we will discuss how structured training, such as the SIM Academy's "Skills for Supervisory Management" course, can accelerate your growth.
 

What Are People-Management Skills?

People management skills encompass the abilities required to lead, motivate, and develop team members effectively. These skills include communication, empathy, conflict resolution, delegation, motivation, and adaptability. They enable managers to build strong relationships, facilitate collaboration, and drive team performance.

Unlike technical skills, which pertain to specific knowledge in a particular field, people-management skills focus on interpersonal interactions and leadership abilities. A brilliant engineer might struggle as a manager if they are not able to inspire their team. In contrast, someone with strong interpersonal skills can bring out the best in others, even without deep technical expertise.

This distinction is crucial because employees do not leave companies - they leave managers. A study by Gallup found that managers account for at least 70% of the variance in employee engagement scores.
 

Who Benefits from Strong People-Management Skills?

Strong people-management skills benefit managers, their teams, and the organisation. Employees feel valued and supported, resulting in increased job satisfaction and engagement. Organisations benefit from improved performance, innovation, and a competitive edge in the market.

These skills are crucial for managers to make informed decisions that positively impact employee performance and overall team dynamics.
 

Understanding the Core of People Management

To truly grasp people management, it is essential to delve deeper into its core aspects.
 

How Do People-Management Skills Differ from Technical Skills?

While technical skills pertain to specific knowledge and expertise in a particular field, people-management skills focus on interpersonal interactions and leadership abilities. Technical skills might help complete tasks efficiently, but people-management skills are vital for guiding teams, resolving conflicts, and fostering a collaborative environment.
 

What Role Does Emotional Intelligence Play?

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage one's emotions and those of others. It plays a pivotal role in people management by enhancing communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. Managers with high emotional intelligence can foster trust, navigate complex social dynamics, and make informed decisions that benefit their teams.
 

How Can One Assess Their People-Management Abilities?

Assessing management abilities involves self-reflection and seeking feedback. Great managers can evaluate their communication effectiveness, conflict management, and team engagement levels. Regular feedback from peers and team members provides insights into areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.
 

How to Develop the 6 Essential People-Management Skills

Building strong people-management capabilities is vital for effective leadership. Here’s how you can develop six key skills to lead your team with confidence and impact.

• 1. Communication

  To improve communication, focus on using clear, concise, and consistent language. Practice active listening - give full attention to your team members and acknowledge their input. Schedule regular one-to-one meetings and team check-ins to promote transparency and openness. Encouraging feedback from your team also demonstrates that you value their opinions and are willing to make adjustments where necessary. Training sessions in communication or public speaking can also help build your confidence and clarity.
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• Read more: Why Communication Skills Are A Career Game Changer
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• 2. Empathy

  Developing empathy starts with taking the time to understand your team’s individual needs and challenges. Practice putting yourself in their shoes, especially during high-pressure situations. Show genuine concern by asking open-ended questions and listening without judgment. You can also build empathy by learning about emotional intelligence, which helps you recognise and manage emotions, both your own and others’, more effectively.
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• 3. Conflict Resolution

  Strengthen your conflict resolution skills by staying calm, objective, and solution-focused. When disagreements arise, address them early before they escalate. Encourage open dialogue and mediate with fairness and impartiality. Training in mediation or negotiation techniques can be beneficial. Always strive to understand both sides, seek common ground, and transform disputes into learning opportunities for your team.
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• Read more: How to Excel at Conflict Resolution as a Supervisor: 5 Proven Strategies
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• 4. Delegation

  To master delegation, start by identifying your team members’ strengths, interests, and areas for growth. Match tasks accordingly and set clear expectations from the start. Trust your team to take ownership and avoid micromanaging. Provide guidance and resources when needed, and follow up to offer feedback. Delegating well also means letting go and focusing on higher-level responsibilities that need your attention.
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• 5. Motivation

  Motivation can be developed by recognising and rewarding good work, both formally and informally. Set clear and achievable goals, and involve your team in the process to give them a sense of ownership and accountability. Create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture where team members feel respected and heard. Providing development opportunities and being approachable as a leader can go a long way in maintaining high morale.
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• 6. Adaptability

  To become more adaptable, cultivate a growth mindset—see challenges as opportunities to learn. Be open to feedback and new ideas, and encourage innovation within your team. Stay informed about industry changes and be willing to adjust your strategies when needed. During times of change, maintain clear communication and provide reassurance to help your team stay focused and resilient.
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Enhancing Skills Through SIM Academy's People Management Courses

To accelerate your development, SIM Academy’s "Skills for Supervisory Management" offers a comprehensive three-day course tailored for newly appointed supervisors and managers. This course focuses on developing practical people-management skills, including effective communication, coaching, conflict resolution, and team leadership.

By completing this course, managers can enhance their ability to motivate subordinates, improve emotional intelligence, and foster a productive work environment, leading to increased team performance and reduced staff turnover.