Are Management Skills Overrated?

Here's an online article that poses an interesting question, but in my mind it's based on an incorrect assumption. The writer seems to be saying there's too much emphasis on management skills and not enough on the mindset and other intangible management attributes.

I disagree.

It seems to me that in recent years there has been such an emphasis on leadership that management has had a "bad rap". I liken the situation to the de-emphasis of grammar skills, with its resulting loss of writing ability.

The argument for not teaching grammar in schools is that by putting too many rules in the heads of young childen, we stunt their imagination. So we encourage them to exercise their imagination and just somehow pick up the rules of grammar by osmosis. Based on my work in teaching business writing skills in the workplace, it hasn't worked.

I believe that, on the contrary, if we teach the rules of grammar thoroughly and early, this will free up young minds to concentrate on the content of their writing.

Similarly, if we teach people the skills of management early in their management careers, their minds and hearts will be free to embrace and develop leadership in themselves as well as those who report to them.

That's why my management training program The Manager's Journey focuses on the universal skills of management, with a regular 'nod' to the leadership mindset. Indeed, the first stage in the journey focuses on "The Manager's Mindset".

If you are a new or recently appointed manager, or if you know one or are responsible for one, you owe it to yourself to find out more about this dynamic, non traditional approach to management training. Check it out at http://www.themanagersjourney.com --- sign up for the free interviews with three experienced managers.


Computerworld > Are management skills overrated?