What to know about managerial responsibilities
More than a boss, a manager is the glue that holds a team together. How they choose to lead can impact an entire workplace, influencing things like how productive and collaborative a team is and the culture.
Managers carry out a wide range of tasks under the umbrella of ‘management responsibility.’ There are also different levels of management, from those at the very top, who make company-wide decisions, to those with more day-to-day operations.
These managers, and all of the managers in between, each have a different set of responsibilities.
If you’re starting a management position or have your sights set on leadership, you might be wondering exactly what’s involved in a managerial role and if you have all the necessary skills.
This article covers typical managerial responsibilities, the skills required, and how you can improve your skillset, no matter your level.
What are managers’ responsibilities?
Managers play a critical role in an organization’s success. They must ensure that people complete their duties on time, but good managers also guide, motivate, inspire, and support their team members.
They shoulder many responsibilities, such as setting goals, reporting to upper management, leading and advocating for their team, and ensuring their team has everything it needs to succeed.
While their specific responsibilities can change from role to role, a great manager can create the right environment for achieving individual and collective goals.
Type of management responsibilities at work
In any workplace, managers have different vital jobs and responsibilities that help the team work together. Here are some of the main areas of responsibility for a manager.
1. Planning for organizational goals
One of the most critical responsibilities of a manager is coaching your team to meet the company’s high-level goals, whether reaching efficiency quotas, hitting revenue targets, or running successful campaigns.
Examples include:
- Goal setting: Managers must clearly define the goals the team must reach to help the organization meet its objectives.
- Organizing teams and individuals: managers ensure they work collaboratively and have the resources they need to do their jobs and fulfil organizational objectives.
2. Organizing business priorities
Another essential part of a manager’s job is making decisions that keep an organization on track toward its goals. This involves organizing your company’s daily tasks per the larger organizational goals mentioned above.
3. Leading teams and people
The team's backbone is that a manager must guide everyone towards the same goals, support and motivate their staff, and foster a cohesive and collaborative team of employees.
Examples include:
- Team building: facilitating team dynamics and creating a collaborative work environment through things like team building exercises.
- Motivating employees: creating a positive work culture through incentives, perks, recognition, and encouragement.
4. Staffing
Hiring and firing employees are key management responsibilities, including identifying staffing needs and interviewing potential candidates.
Examples include:
- Recruiting new employees: managers are responsible for ensuring they have enough team members to reach their goals. They may also be responsible for scheduling shifts and managing leave requests to ensure adequate staffing levels.
- Managing workforce changes: Just as hiring is a manager’s responsibility, so is issuing official warnings and handling employment terminations.
5. Managing people
Managing people includes guiding and supporting employees and ensuring each person is working to their strengths. It also involves addressing any challenges or conflicts between employees.
Examples include:
- Evaluating the performance of employees: this includes using performance metrics to assess the team and individual employees.
- Providing feedback: constructive criticism is a crucial responsibility for a manager, helping align team members’ performance with the company’s objectives.
Types of managers in the workplace
Managers can be seen as a bridge between big organizational goals and everyday tasks, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Management is generally divided into three levels, each with different areas of responsibility. The three main types are top-level managers, middle-level managers, and first-line managers or team leaders.
1. Top-level managers
Top-level managers, also known as executive or senior managers, are the highest management levels in an organization.
Their responsibilities often include setting big-picture goals, making business decisions that affect the whole company, and overseeing the organization's overall direction. Their titles frequently start with ‘chief,’ and they’re what’s known as the ‘c-suite.’
Examples of top-level management titles include CEO (chief executive officer), CFO (chief financial officer), and COO (chief operating officer).
2. Middle-level managers
Middle managers bridge the gap between the c-suite and non-management employees. They are responsible for implementing company strategies, coordinating activities across different departments, and ensuring that departmental goals and objectives are met.
Examples include department manager or director, regional manager, deputy manager, and division head.
3. First-line managers or team leaders
First-line managers, also known as team leaders, are directly responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of teams. Their responsibilities usually include assigning tasks, providing guidance and encouragement to employees, and ensuring that work is completed efficiently.
Examples include team supervisors, shift leaders, project managers, and store managers.
Skills you need to be a manager
No matter which leadership style you adopt, a good manager needs a combination of technical and soft skills.
The transferable skills you need include excellent communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. Emotional intelligence is essential in influencing and motivating people. Technical skills differ depending on the industry and role, though specific technical knowledge is essential to making informed decisions for your team.
Characteristics of good leadership include:
- Empathy
- Resilience
- Accountability
- Quick and confident decision-making
- Excellent communication
- Vision
- Emotional intelligence
There are many more characteristics of a good leader you can develop.
Conclusion
Managers have an exciting yet demanding role in the workplace. They can have a big impact on their team members’ productivity and the overall success of a company.
Though specific managerial duties and responsibilities vary from role to role, they have common elements, like making strategic business decisions and ensuring that employees’ performance supports the company’s objectives.
FAQs
These FAQs provide insights into the roles, responsibilities, and skills essential for excelling as a manager.
1. What are managerial responsibilities?
Managerial responsibilities include providing leadership and setting goals. They also involve organizing teams, managing resources, and ensuring efficiency in daily operations. These duties are crucial in achieving organizational objectives and creating a productive and healthy work environment.
2. What are the top 5 managerial responsibilities?
The top five managerial responsibilities include:
- Guiding and motivating a team
- Setting goals aligned with company objectives
- Organizing resources
- Supervising day-to-day tasks
- Resolving conflicts
3. What are Mintzberg’s ten managerial roles?
The ten managerial roles outlined by management theorist Henry Mintzberg are:
- Figurehead
- Leader
- Liaison
- Monitor
- Disseminator
- Spokesperson
- Entrepreneur
- Disturbance handler
- Resource allocator
- Negotiator
4. What is the role of a manager in the broader business hierarchy?
Managers ensure business objectives are met, bridging the gap between owners/chief officers and company employees. They oversee day-to-day operations and performance. A mid-level manager usually reports to a senior manager above them or directly to the CEO or business owner.
5. What essential skills are needed for effective management?
Leadership, communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence are essential for effective management.
6. How can aspiring managers prepare themselves for the responsibilities of leadership roles?
If you’re an aspiring manager, here are a few things you can do to prepare for a leadership role:
- Find a mentor
- Take courses, attend training sessions, and read management books
- Develop your leadership skills
- Stay up to date in your industry
- Observe and learn from effective managers and leaders
- Cultivate empathy
- Make sure you have comprehensive technical knowledge in your field
7. What is the most crucial role of a manager?
The most important responsibility of a manager is to lead their team to ‘success,’ which is defined as meeting company objectives. This involves inspiring and motivating the employees, setting clear goals, addressing challenges, and overcoming obstacles to reach those objectives.
8. Which middle manager typically performs four tasks?
Middle managers usually oversee day-to-day operations and carry out the decisions made by higher levels of management. This includes:
- Supervising daily operations
- Implementing organizational strategies
- Ensuring performance meets goals
- Providing support and leadership to employees
9. What are the qualities of a good manager?
A good manager or leader is someone who inspires and motivates their team to meet the company’s objectives. They practice good communication and informed decision-making, leading by example to foster a positive work culture.
They prioritize the development and well-being of their employees while aiming to contribute to their organization’s success.
10. What are the responsibilities of top management?
Top-level managers set a company's vision and mission. They make strategic decisions and focus on the organization's overall direction.