manager speaking with bar and wait staff and laughing

From team player to leader: Key skills you need to step up to Management

From team player to leader: Key skills you need to step up to Management

Sophie Dawson our consultant managing the role
Date posted: 17/12/2024

Thinking about taking the next step in your career and moving into management? Whether you’re eyeing up a leadership role in the near future or just curious about what it takes to get there, developing the right skills is key

Good management skills are all about keeping things running smoothly, motivating your team, and making sure everyone has what they need to do their best work – it’s the secret sauce to a happy and high-performing team!

Here are the skills that can help you transition from being a great team player to an even greater leader: 

Communication that inspires

Communication is everything when you’re stepping up to management. It’s not just about telling your team what to do—it’s about listening, inspiring, and keeping the vibe positive. 

A great manager knows how to give clear directions, but also how to offer feedback that lifts people. It’s about keeping things open and honest, so your team feels comfortable sharing ideas and asking for help when needed. 

Giving a shout-out for a job well done or keeping everyone on track during a crazy shift, your words and body language set the tone and motivate your team to give their best. 

Leading by example

As a manager, your actions speak louder than words. Setting the standard through what you do, not just what you say, is a powerful way to inspire your team. 

When you show up on time, bring the energy, and focus on the doing, your team will follow suit. Your behaviour directly shapes the culture and vibe of the workplace, so leading by example is key. 

A manager who’s hands-on and involved builds trust and respect, which motivates the team to give their best and keeps morale high. It’s all about creating an environment where everyone feels inspired to step up and deliver! 

Keeping calm under pressure

Managing a team during a busy shift or unexpected challenges can feel like juggling flaming torches, but staying calm is the secret to thriving in those high-pressure moments. 

Resilience is a manager’s superpower—it helps you keep your cool when things get chaotic, making you the steady hand that guides the team through the storm. 

Tools like deep breaths, prioritising tasks, and a good sense of humour are invaluable to staying in control, and when your team sees you handling pressure with ease, they’ll feel more confident doing the same. 

Developing others and building a strong team

Great managers understand that the success of their team often reflects the time and effort they put into supporting and developing others.

Spotting talent early and offering guidance can turn good team members into future leaders. 

By providing mentorship, you help individuals build on their strengths and improve in areas they may not even know need work. 

When everyone feels valued and challenged to be their best, the whole team thrives.

Exciting management careers at M&B: Lead, grow, and thrive! 

At M&B, we offer a range of exciting management roles across our diverse brands, so you can find the perfect fit for your skills and ambitions. 

If you're passionate about leading teams, enhancing guest experiences, or managing the day-to-day operations of our busy venues, we’ve got something for you. 

Step up and make an impact with our careers today: 

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