In todays post-pandemic context, if you were asked to reduce this list down to the top 3, what would be your list and explain the rationale for your selection?

There are three top managerial skills which have increased in significance across all managerial levels, with the core oversight provided by the top management. There is an increasing need for Environmental Scanning, Controlling and a focus on Customer & Marketing has increased.   The need for managers to continually watch for changes in the business environment and to monitor business indicators has increased, as business must react quickly to changes to their micro and macro environments.  The impact that the pandemic has had on business structure, income streams, work setting and revenue has been significant.

Many business likely have less control over employee productivity and data security, as workers work from home on less secure settings.  There is less control over their productivity, however further control has been exercised and implemented through the use of time management, project management and IT communications that monitor productivity.   Studies show that “16% of employers are using technologies more frequently to monitor their employees through methods such as virtual clocking in and out, tracking work computer usage, and monitoring employee emails or internal communications/chat.” (Gartner, 2022) Employees likely have more control over their computers and software they use than pre-pandemic times as managers require “Control” and  “corrective action concerning the allocation and use of human, financial, and material resources.”

The third main managerial responsibility which I would highlight for management teams, is the focus on their customer whether B2B or B2C, the business would cease to exist without their purchasing power.  With an increase of business online, the importance of competitive marketing material and emphasis on relationship management is therefore a top priority for management as it impacts all levels of business.

Question: Has the pandemic affected how you purchase products and services?

References:

Bright, D.S., Cortes, A.H., Gardner, D.G., Hartmann, E., Lambert, J., Leduc, L.M., Leopold, J., Muldoon, J., O’Rourke, J.S., Parboteeah, K.P., Pierce, J.L., Reece, M., Shah, A., Terjesen, S., Weiss, J., & White, M.A. (2019). Principles of management. Rice University. https://openstax.org/details/books/principles-management

Gartner_Inc. (n.d.). 9 future of Work Trends Post-covid-19. Gartner. Retrieved April 26, 2022, from https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/9-future-of-work-trends-post-covid-19