Staff management is based on a balance between technical skills and interpersonal qualities. A firm grasp of the fundamentals of management – organisation, delegation and monitoring objectives – forms the bedrock of the role. Emotional intelligence plays a central role: knowing how to listen, understanding everyone’s needs and adapting one’s communication style are essential skills for maintaining team cohesion.

From an operational perspective, managers must be proficient in project management and performance management tools. The ability to analyse key performance indicators, make decisions in the face of uncertainty and manage priorities is expected from the very first years in the role. Knowledge of human resources – particularly the rules relating to employment law and staff appraisal – rounds off this profile.

Managing organisations also requires well-developed interpersonal skills. Remaining calm in the face of the unexpected, providing constructive feedback and rallying people around a shared goal are skills that are honed through experience and training. The ability to specialise in a particular sector – by acquiring additional sector-specific knowledge – is an asset when progressing to team leader roles with greater responsibility.