26 June 2023 - 4 min read
As the backbone of organisations, first-line managers play a pivotal role in ensuring operational success and fostering a positive work culture. In the Middle East region, where diversity, cultural nuances, and dynamic business landscapes are prominent, these managers require a specific skill set to effectively lead their teams.
While there is an abundance of skills required of any front-line manager, some are more critical than others, and this blog will explore 5 essential skills for first-line managers.
A first-line manager is considered an entry-level managerial role, and as such, is a person responsible for the day-to-date supervision of non-management employees. They also act as the individual whom non-managerial individuals report to.
Among other things, first-line managers can otherwise be known as supervisors, office managers, shift managers or team leaders depending on where they work. That said, these types of managers focus on keeping their teams on task and contribute to the successful frontline running of an organisation.
Operating in a diverse and multicultural environment, first-line managers in the Middle East must have a high level of cultural intelligence. Understanding and appreciating the customs, traditions, and beliefs of employees from different backgrounds is crucial for building strong relationships and promoting inclusivity.
According to Livermore , by developing cultural intelligence, managers can build strong relationships, promote inclusivity, and bridge cultural gaps within their teams. This skill allows them to adapt their leadership styles and create a harmonious work environment where everyone feels valued and respected (Livermore, 2011).
Moreover, smart first-line managers know that to correctly leverage their teams, they must lead in a way that they would like to be led. Although this could be seen as a broad skill, it is one that needs a lot of practice and balance to ensure that employees and employers are happy.
By leading with your desired workplace in mind in conjunction with organisational goals and objectives, you will find success when it comes to effectively managing and leading employees as a first-line manager. This means:
It is understood that all individuals work and respond to management differently, however, leading in a positive, professional, and inclusive way will always be key to company success.
Effective communication and language skills are crucial for first-line managers. Indeed, clear and concise communication, both verbal and written, enables managers to convey expectations, provide feedback, and successfully resolve conflicts within their teams. By fostering open and transparent communication, managers can connect with team members on a deeper level, building trust and understanding. For further insights on intercultural discourse and communication, the book "The Handbook of Intercultural Discourse and Communication" serves as a valuable reference.
To effectively communicate and eliminate any confusion, managers should:
In addition, measuring your communication efforts will also help define how effective they really are. This can be done by monitoring your team’s engagement and response when you are directly communicating with them.
Understanding and managing emotions is critical to leadership as highlighted by The Harvard Business Review . Among the essential skills they need, emotional intelligence (EI) stands out as a key factor for effective leadership.
According to Goleman, emotional intelligence involves recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions in oneself and others. First-line managers with high EI handle challenges, build relationships, and create positive work environments. As stated by Mersino, emotional intelligence is also crucial in resolving conflicts and achieving outstanding results.
Here are the best emotional intelligence skills that a manager should have:
In today's fast-paced world, characterized by rapid technological advancements and development, adaptability has become an indispensable skill for first-line managers, particularly in the Middle East region. For instance, the UAE government transitioning to a fully online environment and the country’s plans to become They need to be agile in responding to unforeseen challenges, embracing change, and adjusting their strategies accordingly.
CEO of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, once said that he requires his managers to be “stubborn on the vision and flexible on the details.”
Adaptability as a manger, however, is not just being flexible, it is holding a certain set of adaptability skills that support you with a variety of situations as they arise. These include:
Additionally, here are four ways to maximize a seamless adaptability:
Conflict is common in workplaces. Managers with emotional intelligence defuse tension, mediate conflicts, and promote constructive dialogue. In a melting pot as important as the Middle East's diverse region, conflicts may arise due to different perspectives and values. Managers who understand and manage emotions effectively create harmonious work environments and foster collaboration.
In a rapidly evolving business landscape, first-line managers in the Middle East face complex decisions and challenges daily. Effective problem-solving skills enable managers to identify root causes, develop innovative solutions, and drive continuous improvement. In fact, strong decision-making and problem-solving skills are vital for navigating these situations successfully. Managers should be able to:
According to Dörner, in order to recognize and avoid errors in complex situations, managers are encouraged to :
While first-line managers will always have preferred managerial methods, these 5essential skills will help utilise your time, build solid relationships with your team and ensure you are thinking proactively in the workplace. Additionally, managers can excel in their roles and lead their teams towards achieving their full potential.
Being a manager is not an easy job, however, it is an extremely rewarding one and plays a crucial role in every workplace.
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