From team player to leader: Key skills you need to step up to Management
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:
Receive articles like this
Enter your email address and you will be registered to receive the latest content and insights produced by Company name, direct to your inbox. If you have selected a category or content type you will receive the latest insights from that area.
By clicking submit you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.
See what we’re all about
We're shaping a workplace where everyone thrives. Explore the heart and soul of Mitchells & Butlers by checking out our guiding principles.
Our valuesOur Stories
Teaser
GraduateContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/21/2025
Summary
Looking to check in to an exciting future and book yourself a career in property? At M&B, we’ve got just the reservation for you. Our Undergraduate Property Scheme is more than just a placement;
by
Sophie Russell
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/14/2025
Summary
At M&B, we’ve always known that hospitality is about more than just food and drink, it’s about people. That’s why we’re so excited to share our promise to our people: Hospitality with Heart. Hosp
by
Rebecca Houseago
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/14/2025
Summary
At Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery, we believe good food brings people together, from freshly carved roasts piled high with all the trimmings to 100% fresh dough pizzas served straight from the oven.
by
Katie Handy
Teaser
GraduateContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/13/2025
Summary
Think finance is all about spreadsheets and number crunching? Think again. At Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), our Finance Graduate Scheme is where finance meets food, strategy meets service, and every
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
GraduateContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/17/2025
Summary
Just graduated, or thinking about a career change? M&B graduate schemes give you the chance to dive into the heart of a business that’s all about people, passion, and opportunities. These schemes
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
Pub and restaurantContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/01/2025
Summary
Juggling lectures, essays, and a social life is already a full-time job, so where does a part-time job for uni students fit in? The truth is, with the right role, working alongside your degree
by
Rachel Weaver
Teaser
GraduateContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/01/2025
Summary
With so many graduate schemes out there, how do you even begin to choose? If you’ve landed here, something tells us you’ve got your eye on a hospitality graduate scheme (just a hunch!). To give
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/01/2025
Summary
When you think of Miller & Carter, the first thing that probably comes to mind is… steak. Big, juicy, perfectly cooked steak. But there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes than sourcing, p
by
Sophie Russell
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/28/2025
Summary
Jumping into hospitality? Great news, M&B isn’t just one thing, it’s a whole bunch of legendary pubs, buzzing bars, and tasty restaurants, each with its own vibe and style. The trick is finding t
by
Sophie Russell