Introduction to Management

Course contentThe Managerial Challenge

• The key issues of management; the management framework; practical skills and knowledge; effective techniques; the impact of organisational visions, strategies and objectives on the role

The Responsibilities of Management

• The responsibility to plan, organise, monitor, control and evaluate; communicating with staff, peers and internal and external customers effectively

Planning Skills

• Prioritising; setting objectives, standards and targets; time management; scheduling; developing contingencies; analysing; decision making

Objective Setting

• SettingSMARTobjectives; work objectives; quality objectives; personal objectives; short and long-term targets

Resource Management

• Understanding your available resources; utilising resources effectively; empowerment; using the strengths of your staff; goal-oriented resource management; scheduling tasks and staff; managing performance

Delegation

• The meaning and advantages of delegation; identifying activities to be delegated; selecting appropriate staff; barriers to effective delegation; the link between delegation and leadership style

Personal Awareness

• Examining current work relationships and identifying problem areas; exploring and satisfying individual needs; personal barriers; assessing personal strengths, weaknesses and opportunities

Listening Skills

• Avoiding misunderstanding; understanding levels of retention; reading the signs; the ability to understand what is not said; the effects of distractions and/or an inappropriate environment

Teamwork an Essential Resource

• Behaviours and characteristics of effective teamworking; difficulties of working as a team member; identifying types of teams; co-ordinating the team

Interpersonal Techniques

• Delegates select appropriate techniques to cope with various situations; consider approaches for modifying behaviour of individuals at work; earning respect

Assertiveness

• Developing a positive and straightforward style; conversation skills; stating your case; making and refusing requests; giving and receiving criticism

Communication Skills

• Enhancing communication skills; building rapport; getting your message across; the barriers to communication; building confidence

Organisational Communication

• Understanding the management communication chain; team briefing and other formal communication channels; giving feedback on team performance; obtaining employee commitment to future plans; presenting your case in logical stages

Employee Relations

• The role of the HR Department; current employee relations issues; employment legislation

Managing Staff

• Effective delegation; coaching staff; identifying training needs; problem solving; decision making; conflict management

Managing Grievance and Discipline

• The link between discipline and grievance; the legal requirements; maintaining sound procedures; analysing causes as well as their effects; the need for prompt resolution

Participative Problem Solving

• Creativity and innovation; establishing when and how to involve employees; problem analysis; creative and analytical problems; determining alternative courses of action; helping employees take responsibility

Motivation Improving Individual Performance

• Establishing standards of performance and behaviour; providing opportunities for personal growth; individual motive drivers; clarifying the relationship between performance and rewards; types of rewards available to managers; aligning individual and organisational needs; obstacles to employee motivation; monitoring and controlling performance

Leadership

• Maintaining respect and authority; effective leadership; styles of management; leading by example

Staff Development:

• Coaching techniques; transforming employee potential; attitude development; types of staff development; constructive feedback; the mentor role

Action Plan

• Participants plan and discuss what they will do on return to work