What to know about managerial responsibilities

More than a boss, a manager is the glue that holds a team together. How they choose to lead can impact an entire workplace, influencing productivity, collaboration and the overall culture.

Managers carry out a wide range of tasks that fall under the umbrella of ‘management responsibility’. There are also different levels of management, from those at the very top who make company-wide decisions to those with more day-to-day operations. Each of these managers has a different set of responsibilities.

If you’re starting a management position or have your sights set on leadership, you might be wondering exactly what’s involved in a managerial role and if you have all the necessary skills.

This article covers typical managerial responsibilities, the skills required, and how ​you can upskill, no matter your level.

What are managers’ responsibilities?

Managers play a critical role in an organisation's success. They have to ensure that people complete their duties on time, and good managers also guide, motivate, inspire, and support their team members.

They shoulder many responsibilities, such as setting SMART goals aligned with company objectives, reporting to upper management, leading and advocating for their team, and ensuring their team has everything it needs to succeed.

A great manager understands these responsibilities and strives to foster a supportive and productive environment to achieve individual and collective goals.

Type of management responsibilities at work

In any workplace, managers have a variety of important jobs and responsibilities that help the team work together. Here are some of the main areas of responsibility for a manager.

1. Planning for organisational goals

One of the most critical responsibilities of a manager is coaching your team to meet the company’s high-level goals, whether reaching efficiency quotas, hitting revenue targets or running successful campaigns.

Examples include:

• Goal setting: managers need to clearly define the goals the team must reach to help the organisation meet its objectives. This often involves aligning goals with the strategic direction set by senior leadership or local business practices.
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  ⁠Setting SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) goals is commonly encouraged.

• Organising teams and individuals: managers ensure they work collaboratively and have the resources they need to do their jobs and fulfil organisational objectives.
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  ⁠This may include providing training, securing necessary tools and encouraging a supportive work environment for our diverse workforce. Recognising local holidays and cultural practices can help team cohesion.

2. Organising business priorities

Another vital part of a manager’s job is making decisions that keep an organisation on track towards its goals. This involves organising your company’s everyday tasks in line with the larger organisational goals mentioned above.

This could mean ensuring daily operations comply with local regulations set by regulatory bodies like the Ministry of Manpower.

3. Leading teams and people

The team's backbone is that a manager must guide everyone towards the same goals, support and motivate their staff, and foster a cohesive and collaborative team of workers.

Examples include:

• Team building: facilitating effective team dynamics and creating a collaborative work environment through things like team building exercises such as activities at Sentosa or Laser Tag
• Motivating employees: creating a positive work culture through incentives, recognition, encouragement and rewards. This might include Best Employee Awards, NTUC vouchers or lunch gatherings at the nearest hawker centre.

4. Staffing

Hiring and firing are other management responsibilities, including identifying staffing gaps and interviewing potential candidates.

Examples include:

• Recruiting new employees: managers are responsible for ensuring they have enough team members to reach their goals. They may also be accountable for scheduling rosters, recognising local holidays and managing leave requests to ensure adequate staffing levels.
• Managing workforce changes: Managers ensure that handling official warnings and terminations complies with local laws and regulations.

5. Managing people

Managing people includes guiding and supporting team members and making sure each person is working to their strengths. It also involves working through any challenges or conflicts between employees.

Examples include:

• Evaluating the performance of employees: this includes using performance metrics to assess the team and individuals, often through appraisals and performance reviews
• Providing feedback: constructive criticism is an integral responsibility of a manager to align their team member’s performance with the company’s objectives. This includes regular check-ins and feedback sessions.

Types of managers in the workplace

Managers can be seen as a bridge between big organisational goals and everyday tasks, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Management is generally divided into three levels, each with different areas of responsibility. The three main types are top-level managers, middle-level managers and first-line managers or team leaders.

1. Top-level managers

Top-level managers, also known as executive or senior managers, are the highest management levels in an organisation.

Their responsibilities often include setting big-picture goals, making business decisions that affect the whole company, and overseeing the organisation's overall direction. Their titles usually start with ‘chief’, and they’re what’s known as the ‘c-suite’.

Examples of top-level management titles include CEO (chief executive officer), CFO (chief financial officer) and COO (chief operating officer). Top-level managers often work with government agencies and regulatory bodies to align company strategies with national economic policies and regulations.

2. Middle-level managers

Middle managers bridge the gap between the C-suite and non-management employees. They are responsible for implementing company strategies, coordinating activities across different departments, and ensuring that departmental goals and objectives are met.

Examples include department managers or directors, regional managers, deputy managers, and divisional heads. Considering the multicultural environment, middle-level workers often need to adapt strategies to fit the local workforce.

This includes understanding local customs, public holidays and cultural nuances that may impact employee engagement.

3. First-line managers or team leaders

First-line managers, also known as team leaders, are directly responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of teams. Their responsibilities usually include assigning tasks, providing guidance and encouragement to employees, and ensuring that work is completed efficiently.

Examples include team supervisors, shift leaders, project managers and store managers. First-line managers often play a crucial role in providing high-class customer service, especially in the hospitality sector.

Furthermore, they must be aware of local employment laws and practices, ensuring fair treatment and compliance with regulations set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Skills you need to be a manager

No matter which leadership style you adopt, a good manager needs a combination of technical and soft skills.

The transferable skills you need include excellent communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. Emotional intelligence is essential in influencing and motivating people. Technical skills differ depending on the industry and role, though specific technical knowledge is essential to making informed decisions for your team.

Characteristics of good leadership include:

• Empathy
• Resilience
• Accountability
• Quick and confident decision-making
• Excellent communication
• Vision
• Emotional intelligence

There are many more characteristics of a good leader you can develop.

Bottom line

Managers have an exciting yet demanding role in the workplace. They can have a significant impact on their team members’ productivity and the overall success of a company.

Though specific managerial duties and responsibilities change from role to role, they have common elements, like making strategic business decisions and ensuring that employees’ performance works towards the company’s objectives.

​​FAQs

These FAQs offer insights into the roles, responsibilities, and skills needed to excel as a manager and lead effectively.

1. What are managerial responsibilities?

Managerial responsibilities involve providing leadership and setting goals. They also include organising teams, managing resources, and ensuring efficiency in daily operations. These duties are crucial in achieving organisational objectives and creating a productive and healthy work environment.

2. What are the five management responsibilities?

The top five managerial responsibilities include:

1. Guiding and motivating a team
2. Setting goals in line with company objectives
3. Organising resources
4. Supervising day-to-day tasks
5. Resolving conflicts

3. What are Mintzberg’s ten managerial roles?

The ten managerial roles outlined by management theorist Henry Mintzberg are:

1. Figurehead
2. Leader
3. Liaison
4. Monitor
5. Disseminator
6. Spokesperson
7. Entrepreneur
8. Disturbance handler
9. Resource allocator
10. Negotiator

4. What is the role of a manager in the broader business hierarchy?

Managers ensure that business objectives are met, bridging the gap between owners/chief officers and worker teams. They manage day-to-day operations and performance. A mid-level manager often has a more senior manager above them or may report directly to the CEO or business owner.

5. What essential skills are needed for effective management?

Leadership, communication, decision-making, problem-solving and emotional intelligence are essential for effective management.

6. How can aspiring managers prepare themselves for the responsibilities of leadership roles?

If you’re an aspiring manager, some things you can do to prepare for a leadership role include:

• Finding a mentor
• Courses, training and reading management books
• Developing your leadership skill set
• Staying up to date in your industry
• Observing and emulating good managers and leaders
• Developing empathy
• Make sure you have thorough technical knowledge in your field

7. What is the most crucial role of a manager?

The most important responsibility of a manager is to lead your team to ‘success’, typically defined as meeting company objectives.

This means inspiring and motivating your team to set their best foot forward, setting clear goals, addressing challenges, and overcoming obstacles to meet those objectives, all while considering Singapore’s unique business environment.

8. Which middle manager typically performs four tasks?

Middle managers usually oversee day-to-day operations and carry out the decisions made by higher levels of management. This includes:

1. Supervising daily operations
2. Implementing organisational strategies
3. Ensuring performance meets goals
4. Providing support and leadership to team members

9. What are the functions of a good manager?

A good manager or leader inspires and motivates their team to efficiently meet the company’s objectives. They practice good communication and informed decision-making and lead by example to foster a positive work culture.

They are about the development and well-being of their team members to contribute to their organisation’s success.

10. What do top-level managers focus on?

Top-level managers set a company's big-picture vision. They make high-level decisions and focus on the direction of the organisation as a whole.