The Difference Between Managerial Functions & Managerial Skills

Every business requires individuals to assume managerial roles and ensure that all employees within their control perform the required duties in accordance with the standards and goals of the company. Regardless of the industry, a manager or supervisor must possess a certain level of leadership skills among other attributes to perform the essential managerial functions effectively.

Managerial functions are the responsibilities a manager is required to undertake based on his position in the company. The manager is required to use specific skills to be successful with regards to his job duties, and managerial skills often are acquired through experience. Managers use these skills to coordinate strategies to administer the work responsibilities of groups of employees. The managerial skills between two supervisors may differ, although their technical knowledge and job functions may be similar.

The basic aspects of managerial functions are establishing goals, objectives and procedures; organizing daily or periodic duties of employees; recruiting and training employees; providing proper direction to employees; and maintaining control over employees’ job performances. The process of managing employees -- guiding workers to reach certain goals -- is inherent within the functions of a manager. Using effective managerial skills, a supervisor determines what is expected of employees and allocates duties appropriately to each employee. In addition to assigning job duties to employees, managers also work directly with employees to ensure that all tasks are accomplished.

Managerial skills are similar regardless of the type of organization and job-specific responsibilities. Managers first must acquire the technical skills to be able to perform the jobs within their areas of responsibilities. They also must have effective interpersonal communication skills and the abilities to guide their own behaviors in ways that promote the success of the organizational goals. Managers need to maintain productive organizational and decision-making skills.

Employers look for certain qualities when determining which candidates can fill managerial roles. Some employers hire from within and promote individuals to supervisory roles based upon the skills they have developed and their willingness to work hard to accomplish the goals of a particular department or team of employees. Although there are certain leadership skills needed to perform managerial roles, managers can develop their skills upon taking the job positions by participating in company training programs, learning from experienced or veteran managers and learning from the results of their own actions.