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How can I sharpen my managerial skills before becoming a people manager?
I am looking to move into a management position. Aside from formal education, how can I sharpen my skills to prepare for this role?
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14 answers
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I m glad to know that you would like to become a good manager.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Read the management & leadership related material
2. Explore any opportunities to take up some leadership in your job to practise the skill
3. Join some voluntary organization / NGO to take up the organizing role on some voluntary activities. Seek feedback from other team members.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Read the management & leadership related material
2. Explore any opportunities to take up some leadership in your job to practise the skill
3. Join some voluntary organization / NGO to take up the organizing role on some voluntary activities. Seek feedback from other team members.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hello Ivondela, I would love to provide some tips:
• Watch YouTube videos on leadership styles.
• Follow leaders on LinkedIn or Instagram.
• Pick up a book related to becoming a manager or leadership
• Ask your boss or a teammate for feedback
• Watch how current managers handle pressure, conflicts, planning, etc. Take mental notes.
• Try mentoring someone newer than you. It teaches a lot about patience, coaching, and support.
Good Luck!!
• Watch YouTube videos on leadership styles.
• Follow leaders on LinkedIn or Instagram.
• Pick up a book related to becoming a manager or leadership
• Ask your boss or a teammate for feedback
• Watch how current managers handle pressure, conflicts, planning, etc. Take mental notes.
• Try mentoring someone newer than you. It teaches a lot about patience, coaching, and support.
Good Luck!!
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Start by focusing on communication skills, delegation, conflict resolution, and creative thinking. To get started, try checking out self-help books or listening to podcasts and YouTube videos.
Updated
S’s Answer
Getting ready for a role in people management before officially taking it on is a wise decision. You can start developing key management skills ahead of time, even without a formal title.
1. Practice managing work before people
Good managers are first good at handling work.
- Take charge of projects from start to finish, not just your own tasks
- Work on prioritizing, planning, and completing tasks
- Learn to balance quality, deadlines, and tradeoffs
This builds the judgment managers use every day.
2. Get good at giving and receiving feedback
Feedback is essential in managing people.
- Practice giving clear and respectful feedback to coworkers
- Focus on actions and results, not personalities
- Ask for feedback on your work and communication
Being calm and specific with feedback is a key skill before becoming a manager.
3. Watch good and bad managers closely
You can learn a lot by observing others.
- Notice how effective managers set expectations
- Pay attention to how they deal with conflicts or poor performance
- Learn from both what works and what doesn't
Reflecting on these observations helps shape your management style.
4. Build empathy and listening skills
Managing people is more about understanding than control.
- Practice active listening in meetings and one-on-ones
- Try to understand different motivations and viewpoints
- Avoid jumping to solutions before fully hearing the issue
Good managers make people feel heard, even in tough situations.
5. Seek out challenging opportunities
You don't need a title to build skills.
- Volunteer to help new hires
- Mentor junior colleagues
- Lead meetings or projects
These experiences mimic real management tasks.
6. Learn the basics of delegation
Many new managers find this tough.
- Clearly define goals, not just tasks
- Let others handle the work instead of stepping in too soon
- Offer guidance, not micromanagement
Delegation improves with practice, not authority.
7. Develop self-awareness and emotional control
Your reactions matter more as a manager.
- Notice how you respond to stress or pressure
- Practice staying calm in tough situations
- Reflect on how your tone and behavior affect others
Managers set the emotional tone for their teams.
In short, you don't need a management title to start building skills. Focus on taking ownership, communicating, giving feedback, showing empathy, and being self-aware now, and the move into a management role will feel more natural when it happens.
1. Practice managing work before people
Good managers are first good at handling work.
- Take charge of projects from start to finish, not just your own tasks
- Work on prioritizing, planning, and completing tasks
- Learn to balance quality, deadlines, and tradeoffs
This builds the judgment managers use every day.
2. Get good at giving and receiving feedback
Feedback is essential in managing people.
- Practice giving clear and respectful feedback to coworkers
- Focus on actions and results, not personalities
- Ask for feedback on your work and communication
Being calm and specific with feedback is a key skill before becoming a manager.
3. Watch good and bad managers closely
You can learn a lot by observing others.
- Notice how effective managers set expectations
- Pay attention to how they deal with conflicts or poor performance
- Learn from both what works and what doesn't
Reflecting on these observations helps shape your management style.
4. Build empathy and listening skills
Managing people is more about understanding than control.
- Practice active listening in meetings and one-on-ones
- Try to understand different motivations and viewpoints
- Avoid jumping to solutions before fully hearing the issue
Good managers make people feel heard, even in tough situations.
5. Seek out challenging opportunities
You don't need a title to build skills.
- Volunteer to help new hires
- Mentor junior colleagues
- Lead meetings or projects
These experiences mimic real management tasks.
6. Learn the basics of delegation
Many new managers find this tough.
- Clearly define goals, not just tasks
- Let others handle the work instead of stepping in too soon
- Offer guidance, not micromanagement
Delegation improves with practice, not authority.
7. Develop self-awareness and emotional control
Your reactions matter more as a manager.
- Notice how you respond to stress or pressure
- Practice staying calm in tough situations
- Reflect on how your tone and behavior affect others
Managers set the emotional tone for their teams.
In short, you don't need a management title to start building skills. Focus on taking ownership, communicating, giving feedback, showing empathy, and being self-aware now, and the move into a management role will feel more natural when it happens.
Updated
Autumn’s Answer
Hi, Ivondela! Narrowing down to a a couple ideas that can help you prepare for a management position without formal training:
To build Leadership Skills you could consider:
* Take Virtual or Online courses to study Leadership Styles (such as with Degreed!) Find pathways that research and analyze different leadership styles (e.g., transformational, servant leadership). Identify styles that resonate with you and practice adapting them to different situations.
*Leading a Project: Volunteer to lead a project at work or in a volunteer organization. This would provide hands-on experience in planning, execution, delegation, and team coordination.
*Public Speaking Practice: Join a Toastmasters club or take public speaking workshops. Strong communication is essential for effective leadership.
To grow Communication & Interpersonal Skills - get involved with Networking Events (do not have to be within a company - can check local groups in your community!) Look for opportunities to attend industry events and conferences to network with other professionals. Networking builds relationships and exposes you to diverse perspectives.
To strengthen your Emotional Intelligence - Read books and articles on emotional intelligence (EQ). These topics will allow you to explore and practice self-awareness, empathy, and managing your own emotions, which are key to effective interpersonal interactions.
To build Leadership Skills you could consider:
* Take Virtual or Online courses to study Leadership Styles (such as with Degreed!) Find pathways that research and analyze different leadership styles (e.g., transformational, servant leadership). Identify styles that resonate with you and practice adapting them to different situations.
*Leading a Project: Volunteer to lead a project at work or in a volunteer organization. This would provide hands-on experience in planning, execution, delegation, and team coordination.
*Public Speaking Practice: Join a Toastmasters club or take public speaking workshops. Strong communication is essential for effective leadership.
To grow Communication & Interpersonal Skills - get involved with Networking Events (do not have to be within a company - can check local groups in your community!) Look for opportunities to attend industry events and conferences to network with other professionals. Networking builds relationships and exposes you to diverse perspectives.
To strengthen your Emotional Intelligence - Read books and articles on emotional intelligence (EQ). These topics will allow you to explore and practice self-awareness, empathy, and managing your own emotions, which are key to effective interpersonal interactions.
Updated
Jake’s Answer
Ivondela,
It's amazing to see you excited to see you excited to sharpen leadership skills before you pursue becoming a leader. I think that level of forethought shows genuine care which in my opinion, is oftentime the bedrock of what makes a great leader. I would say there are two ways you can begin this:
1. Find a mentor and learn from them. Is there someone in your life who has impacted you or inspired you to go into leadership? Is there a leader in a past or current job you enjoyed working for? Be a sponge.
2. Ask for feedback whenever possible in your. Being able to provide meaningful feedback in way that is direct, empathetic, and sincere is a necessity for any leader. Being able to receive feedback is equally important. Ask your friends to give you constructive feedback. Take note of how how that feedback feels. A really great book on feedback for leadership is "Radical Candor" by Kim Scott.
Lastly, practice empathy in your life. Talk to people from all walks of life and learn to put yourself in others shoes. An empathetic leader, who genuinely cares, and can provide candic feedback is an asset to any company. I would focus on developing these soft skills.
It's amazing to see you excited to see you excited to sharpen leadership skills before you pursue becoming a leader. I think that level of forethought shows genuine care which in my opinion, is oftentime the bedrock of what makes a great leader. I would say there are two ways you can begin this:
1. Find a mentor and learn from them. Is there someone in your life who has impacted you or inspired you to go into leadership? Is there a leader in a past or current job you enjoyed working for? Be a sponge.
2. Ask for feedback whenever possible in your. Being able to provide meaningful feedback in way that is direct, empathetic, and sincere is a necessity for any leader. Being able to receive feedback is equally important. Ask your friends to give you constructive feedback. Take note of how how that feedback feels. A really great book on feedback for leadership is "Radical Candor" by Kim Scott.
Lastly, practice empathy in your life. Talk to people from all walks of life and learn to put yourself in others shoes. An empathetic leader, who genuinely cares, and can provide candic feedback is an asset to any company. I would focus on developing these soft skills.
Updated
Paula’s Answer
Hi Ivondela,
Thank you for reaching out with such an important question! Managing people can be an incredibly rewarding journey, and it calls for some special skills, knowledge, and a strong personal commitment.
Here are a few skills you might want to focus on as you prepare to lead others:
Strong communication and listening skills are essential for any manager. They will help you build trust and clearly guide your team members.
Being able to give constructive feedback during everyday tasks is crucial. Mastering this will be a great asset during performance reviews.
Learning how to delegate tasks effectively is also important. As a manager, you will be accountable for your team’s work and results, so knowing how to delegate and inspire your team to complete projects successfully and on time is vital.
I highly recommend "The Manager’s Handbook" as a great resource for basic management skills. I hope these tips light your way forward.
Best,
Paula
Thank you for reaching out with such an important question! Managing people can be an incredibly rewarding journey, and it calls for some special skills, knowledge, and a strong personal commitment.
Here are a few skills you might want to focus on as you prepare to lead others:
Strong communication and listening skills are essential for any manager. They will help you build trust and clearly guide your team members.
Being able to give constructive feedback during everyday tasks is crucial. Mastering this will be a great asset during performance reviews.
Learning how to delegate tasks effectively is also important. As a manager, you will be accountable for your team’s work and results, so knowing how to delegate and inspire your team to complete projects successfully and on time is vital.
I highly recommend "The Manager’s Handbook" as a great resource for basic management skills. I hope these tips light your way forward.
Best,
Paula
Thank you! I will focus on my communication skills, giving constructive feedback, and delegating tasks. In addition, I will find this book to sharpen my skills.
Ivondela
Updated
Marty’s Answer
It's tough to hone a skill without actually doing the job. All people are different and it takes time and attention to be effective with all personalities and work styles.
If you have friends and family who are willing to help, try to give them feedback and see how it goes. It's harder than it looks....
If you have friends and family who are willing to help, try to give them feedback and see how it goes. It's harder than it looks....
Updated
Visha’s Answer
I think a great way to sharpen those management skills would be to take part in a leadership role in an organization of your choice whether it be through school, work, or your community. By doing so, you will be able to see how you work with your leadership team and how you are able to motivate members of your general team. In addition, what you can do either before or in parallel to gaining a leadership position, is to take tests to see what type of leader you are and what type of leadership styles best suit your personality. From there, I believe it will be easy for you to navigate how you want to lead and what type of management fits you best! I will say to always consider the group that you are working with and to be keen to their needs as well. This is where emotional intelligence and respect comes into play!
Updated
Brad’s Answer
Each person you lead is unique, with different backgrounds, personalities, motivations, and life situations. Get to know them first, then find the management style that helps them succeed. Focus on listening and consider taking communication courses to improve your skills.
Updated
Elayne’s Answer
To be a good people manager, it's important to have strong communication and listening skills. Being fair, consistent, and understanding, as well as knowing how to delegate tasks well, are also key. These skills take time to develop, but you can start by leading groups at school or volunteering in your community.
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
Kudos Ivondela!
I'm happy you're eager to improve your skills. Leading people can be tough, but it's also rewarding to help them grow. To get started, try giving and receiving feedback. I like to offer feedback whenever possible, whether through surveys or simple compliments in the store. It's important to make the most of chances to talk to people. If you have younger siblings or cousins, practice your communication skills with them and see if they can follow your directions. Also, check out articles, watch videos, listen to podcasts, and take free online leadership courses. Hope these tips are useful!
I'm happy you're eager to improve your skills. Leading people can be tough, but it's also rewarding to help them grow. To get started, try giving and receiving feedback. I like to offer feedback whenever possible, whether through surveys or simple compliments in the store. It's important to make the most of chances to talk to people. If you have younger siblings or cousins, practice your communication skills with them and see if they can follow your directions. Also, check out articles, watch videos, listen to podcasts, and take free online leadership courses. Hope these tips are useful!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Ivondela
Updated
Emilio’s Answer
Awesome question. Communication is a must. As some other answers advised, everyone is different in their own communication styles so opening yourself up to other communication styles is essential. I personally like being open and transparent so people know they can come to me with mostly any scenario or question. And practice active listening, when you are able to understand and reflect on questions people have, it goes a long way to show the people that you care.
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
So great ways to become a great people manager is:
Lead team project when you have the opportunity
Wach any learning videos or YouTube videos on enhancing your leadership skill
Communication is key. So work with friend and family on trying to improve you communication skills.
Lead team project when you have the opportunity
Wach any learning videos or YouTube videos on enhancing your leadership skill
Communication is key. So work with friend and family on trying to improve you communication skills.