Businesses must constantly transform to navigate the complexity, disruption and uncertainty inherent to modern times. The organizational agility needed for this relies on employees adapting and developing new skills required to face challenges and embrace change.
The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management program from Barry University emphasizes the critical role of managers in leading change. Barry’s in-depth coursework focuses on leadership development in the context of rapidly evolving and dynamic international business environments and issues.
Personalize Manager Development From the Start
Successful manager development begins with an organization’s approach to initial leadership training. Managers need a unique blend of competencies and leadership skills to be successful. Confidence, humility, empathy, work ethic and organizational skills must all be in balance appropriate to each managerial role.
A Harvard Business Review (HBR) article notes that organizations often place employees in management roles without appropriate personalized training. As a result, people may possess some attributes and skills needed to be effective leaders while lacking others. Thus, a narrow approach to the process may not address the individual needs of a leader-in-training. Instead, development programs that build on strengths while identifying and improving weaknesses in a targeted, personalized way will better prepare managers for dynamic leadership roles.
Helping budding managers expand their skillset and flexible leadership perspective gives them the tools to adapt as situations and needs change. This flexibility also instills new leaders with a mindset of continuous improvement, driving them to embrace further development and growth.
How Can Ongoing Study and Development Help Managers Be More Effective?
A continuous improvement mindset is a cornerstone of agile leadership. However, change is virtually constant in the modern business world, demanding more than a growth-oriented attitude. Therefore, as with all employees, managers need ongoing professional development to learn new skills and adapt to evolving conditions.
This growth involves expanding managerial competencies and knowledge relevant to current, emerging and potential business transformations. Addressing transformational business, technological and societal environments, Barry’s MBA in Management approaches manager development in a contemporary, dynamic way.
Students study the complexities of globalization and international business, from foreign political and cultural environments to market analysis and risk assessment. These studies help managers strategically guide their organizations through international business development, driving sustainable growth and market expansion.
Students in Barry’s MBA program also explore how information systems and innovative technologies support myriad management and organizational functions. Understanding these technologies is essential for informed decision-making and operational optimization in the era of data- and tech-driven business.
Multiple courses in the program also examine leadership, organizational behavior and advanced management concepts. Students explore theories and practices surrounding motivation, perception and group behavior. Coursework also covers emerging communication technology, teamwork, cooperation, cross-cultural management and other drivers of multimodal collaboration.
Leadership studies focus on the intersection of individuals, groups, organizations and external conditions and variables. Emphasis includes developing non-market strategy considering ethics and corporate responsibility. This material highlights the complex ways organizational management, structures and culture are impacted dynamically by changing societal, political and ethical contexts.
Overall, this program brings organizational change and transformation to the forefront of leadership studies. Change leadership proactively fosters the resilience and agility that modern businesses depend on amidst constant disruption. With advanced training on influencing, inspiring and leading change, managers can learn how to help their businesses pivot, adapt and transform successfully.
How Does Manager Development Impact Employee Productivity and Development?
Effectual manager development advances professionals’ effectiveness and adaptability. According to Gallup, most employees value the quality of managers over compensation.
Gallup also notes that managers “influence at least 70% of your employees’ engagement.” Employee engagement drives retention, productivity and collaboration. Talented managers are associated with an increase of 30% in employee engagement, 48% in profitability and 22% in productivity of their teams.
Managers with up-to-date knowledge and skills also understand how businesses are transforming. Managers who can anticipate the skills employees will need to advance into evolving professional roles help employees adapt to and be successful in changing roles.
Proactive professional development can also improve employee performance and retention amidst the uncertainty of organizational change. Employees are more likely to be satisfied with their job and stay with a company if they feel adequately prepared to meet new responsibilities.
Prioritizing manager development along with employee development sets the tone for organizational change and adaptation. By demonstrating a commitment to learning, growth and better management, leaders foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and collective motivation. This enrichment is an integral component of navigating change through inspiring, transformational leadership.
Learn more about Barry University’s online Master of Business Administration in Management program.
