What Other Qualities Should a Potential Business Administration Manager Possess?

There are a number of attributes required to successfully fill the role of a business manager. Moreover, the title is a very broad one, so that different definitions of “manager” will require very different skills. However, there are a few general and specific qualities which can always be helpful in a career in business. We will start by looking at the general ones, which yield specific benefits that would not always be obvious.

Math: Meeting Your Numbers

As boring as math can seem to someone in the classroom, running a business is about numbers: If they don't add up, then you won't have a business. Basic things like cash flow and inventory require simple arithmetic, whereas more complex decisions surrounding investments and profitability use higher math skills. So first, identify what you are best at and think about finding the career path that matches your strengths. Also, take the time to do some honest introspection: do you know that accuracy isn't your strong suit? If so, make sure to use a calculator or spreadsheet, as simple errors can lead to higher costs in the real world.

Further, if you are in a position as a middle manager, then you will probably have target goals to meet. This will require another kind of calculation to know if you are meeting them or need to make changes to how your unit operates. This can include overtime calculations, productivity metrics and hiring decisions. So while good maths skills includes accuracy and correct answers, more importantly it also encompasses the ability to interpret that data and make wise decisions. In the age of computers, a lot of your calculating work will be done for you, so the business managers of tomorrow will be valued for their decision making and big picture analysis.

Tip: If you are currently a student, be sure to ask your teachers a lot of questions on the reasons behind what you are learning. Understanding the theories you are learning will help you form your decision-making skills faster than just completing your tasks as assigned. It will take more time and some effort on your part, but it will mean getting the most out of your education as well.

Punctuality: Getting it Done on Time

In the business world, time is money. If you find yourself being the kind of person who consistently works until deadlines are due (or past due), then developing good time management skills can be an important asset to your future career as a business manager. Again, identifying your weak areas will let you know where to improve. If prioritization is a challenge for you, then start making a habit of building lists. Afterwards, don't just check the lists off, but also number or rearrange them so that you can see what needs to be done when. Chronological order may make the most sense if your list is intended for others as a timeline, but for your own personal use, a list might need to be in order of importance.

Punctuality is another quality that seems less glamorous, but that does not mean it goes unnoticed. In fact, it is an impressive quality in a continually rushed world and will set you apart. This definitely means getting to meetings on time – early is best. Making others wait to hear what you have to say is a good way to make them not care about your message. Lateness can be especially damaging if your audience consists of potential clients. But a second benefit of being on time is that you never know when your workload will pile up, but you can assume that it will. So building in some extra space in your schedule to get things done will be like a savings account of time you have banked up, which can be spent later on "putting out fires" instead of starting them. Come promotion time, your timeliness will be seen as dependability.

Tip: Setting your watch 5-10 minutes earlier can be an easy trick to give you that buffer to get to the meeting on time. Another trick is to use the stairs so that the elevator is only there as speed boost when you need it. Finally, build in travel time to get to where you need to be so that you can cope with delays. This way you will arrive relaxed and level-headed.

Determination, Drive and Goals

Bridges do not build themselves – they come into existence only through careful time and planning. Likewise, a business plan does not run itself, but it can look that way with enough planning and management. That is where you come in as a business manager. For a lot of new managers, this means on-the-job training and few instances of trial-and-error. But proper goal setting and drive to see those goals achieved will make a lot of work easier.

Not everyone is naturally self-motivated, but for those who are, it shows and can be quite impressive. For the rest, it can be learned, but must be cultivated to shine through. Setting aside a special calendar just for your goals can be a good way to map out your progress through time. Another tool can be to discreetly place sticky notes in your workplace that will remind you of your goals. Finally, setting aside some vacation time for a little rest and relaxation can help you reflect on your achievements and see where to go from there. Hiking, sailing or even fishing trips can get you out of doors, away from your desk, and provide some perspective.

Tip: Setting goals does not always come naturally. If it feels awkward at first, it gets easier with practice. Start with both short- and long-term goals and set aside a time to review your progress. An important part of goal setting is recognition, so set a reward of something you want to give yourself. The boost to your motivation that results will reinforce the goal-setting behavior, and you will find yourself doing it more often and more easily.

Honesty

As a manager, you will have a lot of responsibility and that requires being an accountable person who can work with less supervision. The headlines are full of examples of dishonest managers. A good reputation is golden, and in the business world, there are countless examples of scandals. Most of them are caused by what is called the principle-agent problem. This mostly means that the person making the decisions for the company is not always the same person who owns it. Because of this, individual self-interest takes higher priority than the good of the company. Those looking to hire managers will be keen to see that that person is not only competent, but reliable as well.

This can also mean that doing a job right once is better than doing it wrong and having to fix it a second time. There aren't any special tips to being honest, but it can help to actually admit when you are wrong and need help. If you hide your mistakes from your superiors, then eventually that will become obvious when they grow too big to contain. Taking a moment to stop and fix it may be painful in the short-run, but showing your sincerity and commitment to the long-term prosperity of the company will pay-off.

These qualities will come in handy as a manager or administrator. If you are interesting in starting your career as a business manager try and think about how you can reflect these skills in a resume and a job interview. If you are currently working and want to rise to the top, do not forget the importance of a good impression when it comes time for recommendations.

There are no limits to what one can do with an MBA degree. There are not “shoulds” or “have tos” – there are only possibilities. But the range of opportunities opened by such a degree are quite broad and are perhaps one of the more attractive options of an MBA program versus a medicine or law degree. If you're considering an MBA, a strong recommendation is to talk to different individuals in your desired field – not just admissions departments, but current students and alumni as well as hiring managers – to see if they are willing to sit for an informational interview. After seeing some examples of what others have done, it may become more clear what opportunities are out there after completing a Master of Business Administration.