Being a leader requires you to wear many hats. There is the obvious and proven skill set that sets managers apart from the others. But beyond that is having the attributes of a true leader. The ability to lead, motivate and show examples to others is critical.

Being a leader requires you to wear many hats. There is the obvious and proven skill set that sets managers apart from the others. But beyond that is having the attributes of a true leader. The ability to lead, motivate and show examples to others is critical. 

 Conceptual skill in management is also critical. Leaders must connect the dots and seamlessly navigate complex situations to solve significant challenges. 

Let’s explore conceptual skills in management and how to leverage technology to enhance them.

Understanding Conceptual Skills

A leader with conceptual skills can see complex scenarios with greater understanding than most individuals would. They can develop creative action-driven solutions for improved team performance and management excellence.

Like other soft skills, conceptual skills in management are not something that everyone possesses innately. For some, there is a need for training to develop the right personality, behavior, and interpersonal skills, such as:

• Creative thinking
• Good communication that requires effective listening and understanding
• Management skills to ensure optimal team and management performance
• Sound decision making
• The ability to be a motivator and mentor
• Critical and analytical thinking
• Innovative and technical skills
• Emotional intelligence allows for the monitoring and controlling of personal emotions within the work setting.

Role of Technology in the Development of Conceptual Skills

Technology is here to make everyone’s lives simpler. And that includes using it to develop conceptual skills. Here is how managers can take advantage of it.

Data Analytics

Conceptual thinkers approach issues from a big-picture perspective. They look at the whole before deciding the right action to take. Thus, data analytics would be one of the ways such managers can leverage technology. 

 Data insights can answer questions like:

• What are the connection points between the different issues?
• What are underlying or exacerbating factors that need urgent taking care of?
• Are there any patterns or trends that are impacting the present and possibly future issues 
• What future/emerging trends can the business leverage on, etc?

Conceptual skills management must have at its core data analytics. Critical information like business metrics, customer behavior, sales trends, and operational efficiencies give a comprehensive understanding of the business environment. 

Gleaning critical information from data analytics helps with data-based decisions. The managers get accurate information to develop effective strategies and identify areas for innovation or improvement. 

With predictive analytics, for instance, managers can leverage new business opportunities. Based on past information, the managers can get important information on what the future may look like.  

Collaboration Tools

Communication is one of the crucial factors in conceptual skills management. Indeed it is the main ingredient to enhancing team and management collaboration. Business success comes when everyone is on the same page. And that is where technology has a huge role to play. 

Nowadays, there are collaboration tools such as project management software, video conferencing, and team messaging apps that team members, even those working in remote locations, can use to stay in the loop. 

Giving teams access to such technology will open up communication channels. There is quick feedback and better collaboration because people don’t need to wait for face-to-face meetings to share ideas. That can be a massive boon to innovation, where members can share ideas, brainstorm, and much more. 

E-Learning Platforms

Continuous learning is one of the most effective ways to expand conceptual skills in management. And, once again, technology comes to the rescue. E-Learning platforms have opened up education like we would have never imagined. With the day-to-day work demands, it can be difficult for managers to return to physical institutions for education. 

But now, the ability to log into online workshops, online courses, and other training opportunities has eliminated so many barriers. Most importantly, the geographical barriers that place such an obstacle for many learners no longer exist. A manager requiring conceptual skills training in Africa can sign up for a course in America. 

So how important is continuous learning for both managers and employees? Check out these interesting facts on the impact on team and management performance.

• Learning and development opportunities come second as the most significant factor in employee engagement.
• 46% of respondents cite lack of learning opportunities as a substantial reason for the boredom they experience at the workplace
• 80% of people would feel more engaged if they learned a new skill
• 83% will be happier working in companies that invest in learning resources.

Virtual and Augmented Reality

Conceptual thinkers can break down complex issues into simpler ones. They should be able to look at a problem in its entirety and creatively come up with workable solutions. We reiterate the point that conceptual skills only come naturally to some. Sometimes it is essential to put the manager in the actual or simulated situation to see how they will handle themselves and, of course, the issues. 

And that is where augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can save the day. The technologies create realistic, though simulated, immersive experiences. Such technologies are already finding use in learning curriculums like medicine. Nowadays, students no longer need to operate on a corpse. By wearing a VR headset, they learn from a virtual cadaver. The technologies are also helping early learners, remote learners, and many other professions. 

The managers can use AR and VR in soft skills training in areas like collaboration, communication, resource management, and problem-solving. The gaming aspect in a safe and controlled environment makes it even better. Indeed the possibilities for improving team performance and management collaboration are endless. 

Use Technology to Enhance Conceptual Skills in Management

Being an effective manager is much more than being good at the job. There are soft skills that neatly tie up the package of what a good leader is. One of the most critical is conceptual skills in management. The skills allow for better decision-making due to the ability to navigate around complex issues using creative thinking. 

Conceptual thinkers are also better leaders because they can inspire and motivate others. With them, team performance and management are collaboration rather than a master-servant relationship. Take it a notch higher by leveraging technology to enhance conceptual skills in management.