There is a common misconception that some people are born leaders, while others are born to be followers. What few people realise is that management and leadership skills, just like others, can be learned and honed.
This article will help you understand all the components of advanced management development programmes. With this knowledge, you will see that a future in leadership is on the table for anyone who is willing to apply themselves to the learning process.
Introduction to advanced management education
Definition and importance of advanced management education
In an advanced management qualification, every base is covered – from theoretical foundations to practical applications. Advanced management education is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to lead effectively in various organisational environments. An advanced management course blends expertise in traditional management practices with the skills you need to be able to manage teams and organisations effectively. With a strong theoretical understanding and innovative problem-solving skills, you will be able to climb higher in management and leadership.
Overview of managerial and leadership development
When you study management, you don’t learn only about the practical day-to-day elements of managing an organisation. Of course, an organisation usually comprises a team of employees and, as a manager, a large portion of your work is to manage the team. To manage people, you need to develop and refine your leadership skills. Effective leadership in management entails not just overseeing employees, but also inspiring and guiding them toward shared goals.
Processes used in developing management skills
The strategic planning & management process
Strategic planning is foundational to effective management. By understanding how to implement the many elements of strategic planning into your management process, you will be able to evaluate and adjust your work as needed to meet an organisation’s objectives. Below are the key components of this strategic planning process for a manager:
Defining the mission and vision of the organisation
The first step in strategic planning is to formulate a clear articulation of the organisation’s mission and vision. What does the organisation do, and what is the bigger picture? When you put an organisation’s mission and vision together, you uncover its purpose. This will allow you to set a long-term direction to keep in mind while formulating all other strategies down the line.
Setting SMART goals (Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound)
Once the mission and vision are established, you need to figure out how to attain them. To get on – and stay on – the path to the organisation’s vision, you need to set SMART goals. SMART is an acronym that describes the goals and it stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. These criteria ensure that your objectives are clear and attainable, providing a roadmap for success. There are resources available online to help you set your own SMART goals.
Identifying strengths and weaknesses internally
With your mission and vision set and a roadmap of goals to get you there, you now need to pause and look around within the organisation. What works and what doesn’t? While it can be easy to hone in on weaknesses to improve, don’t forget to analyse internal strengths, too. It is vital to recognise the resources at your disposal to ensure that they are well utilised in the organisation’s favour.
Identifying opportunities and threats externally
With a clear understanding of the organisation’s internal positive and negative features, you can turn your attention outward to examine external opportunities and threats. There will often be threats to the organisation that are not in your control. You may not be able to eliminate threats, but identifying them can help you prepare to mitigate them.
Developing strategies based on SWOT analysis
By integrating insights from the SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats), you can formulate strategies that leverage strengths and address weaknesses, while capitalising on opportunities and mitigating threats.
Aligning strategies with organisational goals and objectives
While laying out your strategies based on your SWOT analysis, always keep organisational goals and objectives in mind. Remember that every step you take needs to fit in on the roadmap to the organisation’s mission and vision. This will ensure that your way forward is coherent and focused.
Creating action plans
Now that you have your strategies laid out, it’s time to get into the nitty gritty of them. How will your strategies be implemented? When? It’s important to break your strategies down into smaller, actionable steps. Not only will this help you keep track of the organisation’s progress under your management, but it will also make sure that nothing falls through the cracks. Keep in mind that every ambitious goal is made up of many smaller goals that will help you get there.
Assigning responsibilities and resources
Now that you have a clear vision of every step that needs to be taken on the road to success, responsibilities and resources need to be assigned. Clear delegation is essential for accountability and efficiency.
Monitoring and evaluating progress
Continuous monitoring will allow you to assess your team’s progress against your organisation’s goals, and see where adjustments need to be made along the way.
Reviewing performance against goals
Regular performance reviews will help you ensure that the organisation stays on track. Challenges will evolve and you will have to adjust accordingly.
Organisational behaviour in the modern workplace
Understanding organisational behaviour is key to effective management. You will need to understand how individuals and groups interact within the organisation because this will influence both the organisation’s performance and culture.
Importance of understanding organisational behaviour
By understanding how the people in your team behave, you will be able to foster a positive work environment which will improve both employee satisfaction and productivity.
Group dynamics and teamwork
If your team members cannot function as a cohesive whole, your organisational goals will not be reached. Understanding group dynamics is essential for you to facilitate collaboration and resolve conflicts constructively.
Leadership styles and approaches
There are many ways to lead. Different people will respond differently to various leadership styles and approaches, and it is important that you are able to adjust accordingly. You can learn more about leadership styles in our FAQ section.
Organisational culture and climate
As a manager, you will play a crucial role in cultivating the culture of your workplace. In a 2021 survey, 67% of employees said that culture was more important than strategy or operations. Satisfied employees are more engaged and loyal, and will produce better results.
Diversity and inclusion
While it’s said that great minds think alike, different minds coming together will cultivate more innovative and creative decision-making. Promoting diversity and inclusion is not just a moral imperative, but also a necessity to ensure that your workplace and organisation thrive.
Technology and remote work
As more organisations adopt hybrid models using technology and remote work, understanding how to effectively manage virtual teams has become crucial for modern managers.
Blending management with key leadership principles
To become a great manager, you must know how to lead. Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room, but rather about listening actively, understanding diverse perspectives, and inspiring others to contribute their ideas and talents toward your shared goals.
Leadership principles are the core beliefs and values that guide leaders in their roles. These principles will inform your decision-making, and they are vital for developing a leadership style that resonates with all parts of your organisation, employees and stakeholders alike.
Definition and Importance of Leadership Principles
Adopting sturdy leadership principles will foster growth both in your personal and professional life. They can help you develop your communication and negotiation skills and enable you to inspire and motivate those around you.
Role of leadership principles in personal and professional growth
Adopting sturdy leadership principles will foster growth both in your personal and professional life. They can help you develop your communication and negotiation skills and enable you to inspire and motivate those around you.
Vision and Purpose
Fundamental to your leadership principles are vision and purpose. A clear vision of how you want your organisation to function will provide direction and purpose, helping you rally your team around your common goals.
Integrity and ethics
To build trust and credibility in your workplace, you must be able to demonstrate integrity and uphold ethical standards. By modelling ethical behaviour, you can garner respect from employees and higher-ups alike.
Influence and persuasion
Your vision will be impossible to achieve if you are the only person who believes in it. It is crucial to develop the ability to influence and persuade those around you so that you can align team efforts towards a common goal.
Communication and collaboration
Effective communication fosters collaboration and transparency, both vital for building strong relationships within teams. Always remember that communication and collaboration are two-way streets.
Leading by example
Leaders who model the behaviours and values that they wish to see in their teams cultivate a culture of mutual respect and accountability. If you do not follow your own rules, the organisational culture will be at risk of breaking down into an unhealthy – not to mention unproductive – work environment.
Impact of leadership principles on organisational success
When you integrate strong leadership principles into your management practices, they will contribute to your organisation’s overall success. Well-led employees will engage with their work with stronger commitment and care.
Management development programme learning outcomes
Enhanced strategic thinking abilities
After studying the principles of strategic thinking, along with practical applications thereof, you will finish your programme with the ability to tackle complex challenges with confidence.
Improved decision-making skills
Armed with a strong foundation in analytical skills and strategic planning, you will be more adept at making informed decisions in your organisation’s interests.
Enhanced leadership capabilities
From studying leadership principles and styles, you will have developed your unique leadership voice. With this, you will be able to lead effectively.
Stronger communication and collaboration skills
Improved communication and collaboration skills are some of the most important skills that you will leave your programme with. With these skills, you will be all set to foster teamwork and enhance overall productivity at your organisation.
Business industry relevance and career opportunities
Demand for Advanced Management Professionals
There is a high demand for skilled management professionals. Organisations are facing increasing complexity and competition and are looking for professionals that they can trust with the reins. A course in advanced management will give you a competitive edge and prepare you to meet those challenges head-on.
Career paths and opportunities after completing the course
A course in advanced management will give you the perfect combination of focus and flexibility. The skills you acquire are applicable across various industries and various roles such as executive leadership, project management, human resources and organisational development.
FAQs
Study an Advanced Management Programme
If you’re ready to take the next step in your management career, consider enrolling in the Advanced Management Programme Alliance Manchester Business School. To apply, applicants require a post-matric degree and two years of work experience. It is 100% online, fully accredited and is the perfect boost to your career.
FPD also offers two other management programmes for entry-level and junior managers, which both take two years to complete. There is the Higher Certificate in Management aimed at those with a Grade 12 National Senior Certificate and the Advanced Certificate in Management for those who have already completed a higher certificate programme.
