Debunking management skills and competencies myths: If you want to get ahead, get your hands dirty

Abstract

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Many thousands of words have been written on the subject, many, many hours of academic research expended. The truth is now out. You don't develop management skills and competencies away from the workplace. “Abstracted competence” is a myth. Competence, and the development of management skills, is reliant on context. In layman's terms, to become an effective manager get out of cloistered university surrounding and immerse yourself in the real world of work.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/ value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to digest format.

Citation

(2005), "Debunking management skills and competencies myths: If you want to get ahead, get your hands dirty", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 19 No. 5, pp. 20-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777280510616267