Summary
In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the essential skills of effective managers, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the ability to apply learned skills in real-world scenarios. She discusses the challenges of management, particularly in matrix organizations, and highlights the need for personal growth and understanding individual team members. Christa also provides valuable resources for aspiring and current managers, while acknowledging that management may not be suitable for everyone.

Key Takeaways
• Management is about accountability for deliverables.
• Self-awareness is crucial for effective management.
• Understanding how you learn best enhances learning and applying management skills.
• Effective managers connect with their team members.
• Effective management requires flexible thinking and openness to feedback.
• Resources are available for developing management skills.
• Management isn't the only path to career advancement.
• Tailoring management approaches to individual needs is important.

Additional Resources
SHRM Research. (2024, February 20). Research + Insights: Understanding the diverse views on effective management. SHRM. https://www.shrm.org/executive-network/insights/people-strategy/research-insights-diverse-views-effective-management-winter-2024

ALSO: https://www.shrm.org/home and https://www.gallup.com

Beenen, G., Pichler, S., Livingston, B., & Riggio, R. (2021). The Good Manager: Development and validation of the managerial Interpersonal skills scale. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.631390

Buckingham, M. (2005, March 1). What great managers do. https://hbr.org/2005/03/what-great-managers-do

Mineo, L. (2024, August 27). You want to be boss. You probably won’t be good at it. Harvard Gazette. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2024/08/you-want-to-be-boss-you-probably-wont-be-good-at-it/

Suellentrop, A., & Bauman, E. (2025, March 27). How influential is a good manager? Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/350423/influential-good-manager.aspx

Video Chapters
00:00 Intro and Listener Question, “What Are the Top Skills of Effective Managers?”
00:17 What and Who is a Manager?
03:24 Average Management is Hard; Effective Management is Harder
04:22 Top Skills of Effective Managers (this may surprise you)
09:20 Additional Resources - Research
13:16 Additional Resources - Manager Support
14:14 Final Thoughts: Is Management Right for You?
14:55 Episode Wrap-Up, Looking Ahead
15:44 Contact & Booking Information

Keywords
management skills, management training, effective managers, self-awareness, professional development, interpersonal skills, workplace dynamics, interpersonal dynamics, leadership, employee motivation, management resources, business challenges, workplace issues, team connection

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