How to assess your management ability
Checklist
- Review the abilities and knowledge you need to do your job effectively; research any relevant published frameworks (eg from your professional body).
- Prepare a checklist with specific indicators of competence; assess yourself by scoring how well you meet each indicator.
- Approach other people whose opinion you value, or whose perceptions of you are important, and ask them to assess you as well.
- Review your work performance for evidence confirming your abilities; analyse any problems to see where your weaknesses were a factor.
- Confirm that you understand the business, its key drivers and performance indicators, and the contribution you and your team make to it.
- Confirm you have the legal and technical knowledge you need, keep up to date with the information you need and use it effectively.
- Assess your understanding of finances and ability to draw up and control budgets.
- Examine how well you prioritise, set objectives, and implement plans
- Evaluate your ability to develop and implement effective policies and procedures
- Assess your working relationships and your ability to build teams, motivate employees, communicate effectively and influence people.
- Consider how well you deal with customers, suppliers and others.
- Assess how well you manage employees' performance their training and development.
- Consider your abilities in other areas particular to your role - for example, marketing and selling, production or human resources management.
- Assess your ability to manage change
- Evaluate your attitude, creativity, self-confidence and ability to manage stress, and how well you manage your own personal development
- Use your assessment to drive your personal development programme.
Cardinal rules
Do:
- focus on skills which are important for your job
- assess yourself honestly, and solicit feedback from trusted sources
- ensure skills are underpinned by any necessary knowledge
- look for evidence of your actual performance
- use your assessment to plan your personal development
Don't:
- ignore surprising or negative assessments
- expect to be perfect
- be complacent about weaknesses
