The level of these skills varies from management role to management role. For example, senior managers have to have good conceptual skills, but they may not need very strong technical skills.
A theorist named Robert Katz has suggested that managers need three different types of skill in order to manage well. Let’s look at each of these.
1. Technical skills
Depending on the management level and the organisation, these may include knowing about the manufacturing processes, writing reports, using a computer, or knowing how to manage stock in a warehouse.
2. People skills
People skills include communication and listening skills, leadership ability and being supportive.
3. Conceptual skills
Conceptual skills include:
- being able to see how a task impacts other areas of the organisation, and how it affects the future
- understanding policies and relevant laws
- being able to plan ahead.
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