15 General Manager Skills for Your Career and Resume

A general manager is responsible for the overall operations of a business or organization. They must have a wide range of skills to be successful in this role. If you are interested in becoming a general manager, or are already in a management position, it is important to understand what skills are necessary for success.

Operations Management

General managers oversee the operations of a company, which means they need to have strong skills in operations management. This includes understanding how to manage budgets, supply chains and production schedules. It also involves knowing how to analyze data to make informed decisions about product pricing, sales strategies and other business practices.

Product Knowledge

General managers need to have a thorough understanding of the products and services their company offers. This ensures they can answer questions from customers, identify trends in sales data and make informed decisions about product development. General managers also use their product knowledge when creating budgets for departments like supply chain management or human resources.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and address issues that may arise in your role as a general manager. You may need to solve problems related to employee relations, customer service or production processes. For example, if an employee files a complaint with human resources, you may need to resolve the issue by interviewing all parties involved and determining how to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities. General managers often have many duties, so it’s important for them to be organized. This ensures they complete their work on time and can find information when needed. Being an effective manager also requires being able to delegate tasks effectively. Having organizational skills allows a general manager to assign duties to employees who are best suited for those roles.

Budgeting

A general manager oversees the financial aspects of a company, including budgeting and forecasting. They need to understand how to create budgets for departments and individual projects, as well as how to predict future revenue streams. General managers also use their budgeting skills when negotiating contracts with suppliers and vendors.

Financial Reporting

General managers are responsible for overseeing the financial aspects of their company. This includes preparing budgets, analyzing revenue and expenses, forecasting future trends and managing cash flow. Strong financial skills can help a general manager make informed decisions that benefit the organization’s growth. General managers who have strong financial skills may also be able to negotiate contracts with suppliers or vendors on behalf of the company.

Labor Management

Labor management skills are important for general managers to have because they oversee the hiring and firing of employees. They also need to ensure that their company has enough staff members to meet production quotas, complete projects on time and provide quality customer service. General managers who can manage labor effectively may be able to reduce costs and increase productivity.

Marketing

General managers need to have marketing skills so they can promote their company’s products and services. This involves creating strategies that will attract customers, such as discounts or free gifts. It also includes promoting the brand through social media, advertisements and other methods. General managers who are skilled in marketing can help increase sales for a company.

Decision Making

General managers often need to make decisions about company operations, personnel and other business matters. Strong decision-making skills can help you navigate these challenges and achieve success. You may also use your decision-making abilities when making strategic choices for the future of your organization. For example, if you want to expand your business, you might consider how to finance it, where to build it and what types of employees you need to hire.

Inventory Management

General managers oversee the entire operations of a company, including inventory management. They ensure that all products and supplies are available when needed and that they have enough to meet customer demand. General managers also track their inventory’s location and age so they can make sure it is rotated properly and disposed of before it expires.

Project Management

General managers oversee the operations of an entire company, which means they need to delegate tasks and manage projects. Project management skills include planning, scheduling, budgeting and overseeing a project’s success. General managers use their project management skills when creating budgets for departments, hiring new employees and developing marketing campaigns.

Communication

General managers need to be able to communicate with their employees, customers and other stakeholders. This means that they should have excellent written and verbal communication skills so that they can convey information clearly and answer questions thoroughly. General managers also use their communication skills when negotiating contracts or discussing company strategy with upper management.

Sales

A general manager needs to be able to sell their company’s products and services. This means you need to understand the market, your competitors and how to convince customers to buy from you. You also need to know what types of sales strategies work best for your business and how to track your success.

Leadership

General managers are responsible for overseeing the operations of an entire company. They must be able to motivate and inspire their employees to work hard, achieve goals and improve processes. Strong leadership skills can help a general manager lead by example and encourage collaboration among team members. It’s also important that they have the ability to make decisions quickly and confidently when necessary.

Conflict Resolution

General managers are often responsible for resolving conflicts between employees, customers and other stakeholders. They must be able to listen to all perspectives and identify solutions that satisfy everyone involved. Conflict resolution skills can help general managers diffuse tense situations before they escalate into major issues.

How Can I Learn These General Manager Skills?

There are a few ways to learn the skills necessary to be a successful general manager. Many of these skills can be learned through on-the-job experience, working in various management roles and observing how successful managers operate. There are also many books and online resources that can provide helpful insights into effective management techniques. In addition, there are many management courses and programs available that can teach the necessary skills.