Technique 3.18 — Self-assessment of Essential Management Skills Required (12)
Introduction
The 12 essential management skills:
- Transparent Communication
- Empathy
- Social Sensitivity
- Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation
- Team Goal Setting
- Delegation
- Recognition
- Trust
- Inclusivity
- Active Listening
- Guidance
- Coaching
These represent core capabilities identified as critical for effective management across emotional intelligence, setting expectations, developing people and motivation.
A Short Management Skills Self-Assessment Questionnaire
Instructions
Rank your answer from 1 to 5, ie
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Never |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
- Transparent Communication
You communicate openly, clearly and honestly with your team.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Never |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
- Empathy
You try to understand and respect the feelings and perspectives of others.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Never |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
- Social Sensitivity
You are aware of and sensitive to the social dynamics within your team.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Never |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
- Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation
You recognize your own emotions and manage them effectively in the workplace.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Never |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
- Team Goal Setting
You work with your team to set clear, shared and achievable goals.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
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Never |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
- Delegation
You delegate tasks appropriately, giving others responsibility and ownership.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Never |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
- Recognition
You acknowledge and celebrate the contributions and achievements of your team.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Never |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
- Trust
You build and maintain trust by being reliable and consistent.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Never |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
- Inclusivity
You ensure all team members feel valued, included and respected.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Never |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
- Active Listening
You listen carefully to others, showing that you value their input.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Never |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
- Guidance
You provide clear direction, feedback and support to help your team succeed.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Never |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
- Coaching
You help team members grow by developing their skills and potential.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Never |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Often |
Always |
Comments
Scoring
- Over 48 = Excellent (strong management skills.)
- 36–47 = Good (solid skills with some areas for growth.)
- 24–35 = Developing (several skills need attention.)
- 12–23 = Needs Focus (a good opportunity to build management capability.)
(main source: Mindtools Content Team, 2025)