Management skills of the future

Whilst none of us has a crystal ball, logical predictions can be made of the management skills of the future. Recent years have seen an economic downturn, with cost cuts and the need for greater efficiency with reduced staff numbers. High Performance Working (HPW) seems here to stay. The profile of our workforce is changing - an older workforce, which is diverse, with many engaged in 'harlequin' careers where by individuals have 2 or more jobs simultaneously, to reflect the availability of full-time permanent jobs.


Future management skills many include all of the current required skills plus the ability to manage workers remotely, who are on fractional hours, and working into their third age. Clearly delegation skills are paramount along with budgetary control. Innovation will be expected not just from managers but also from the workforce - managers will need to foster these skills.


This then poses interesting challenges for management development - how to develop and build these skills, using virtual learning, and learning methods which encompass a range of different learning styles. There are likely to be opportunities for learning and development via social media.


Those managers and development consultants with innovative ideas are likely to be successful.