New requirements for managers
The demands placed on managers in controlling have changed significantly in recent years. Where analytical skills and attention to detail used to be in demand, new skills are now taking center stage. In addition to data competence, emotional intelligence, strong communication skills and strategic thinking are in demand. Current studies and scientific findings underline this change and show which skills will be crucial in the future. Read more about this in this article.
Emotional intelligence: the success factor for modern controlling leaders
What is emotional intelligence?
Emotional intelligence means being able to recognize and understand your own feelings, but also the feelings of others, and being able to deal with them well. It helps you to manage yourself better, deal with stress and build good relationships with others. Those who are emotionally intelligent listen well, show empathy and can resolve conflicts intelligently. Emotional intelligence as a leadership skill helps you to react consciously rather than impulsively. It is a skill that helps you as a manager to act empathetically and communicate clearly. In short: it's about feeling wisely and acting consciously when working together. This creates genuine understanding, better cooperation and smarter decisions in everyday life.
Emotional intelligence promotes motivation and collaboration
Emotional intelligence is crucial for successful leadership and influences the working atmosphere and motivation in the team. According to a study by Marcus Hein, the most important aspects include:
- Empathy: The ability to empathize with employees.
- Self-reflection: An awareness of one's own behavior and its impact.
- Active listening: Employees feel heard and valued.
A study by the Harvard Business Review (2023) confirms that managers with high emotional intelligence achieve significantly better team performance and have lower staff turnover.
Technological affinity: using digitalization as an opportunity
The openness to digitalization and new technologies is considered one of the most important skills for managers. According to the Atreus Leadership Study 2024, 52% of respondents consider this skill to be crucial. Managers should therefore understand and effectively use digital tools to optimize processes and make data-based decisions. In the area of controlling, for example, this could be smart planning and controlling software such as CoPlanner.
In addition, a study by WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management (2023) found that managers who use AI-supported analysis tools establish more efficient decision-making processes and are more competitive in the long term.
Adaptability: flexibility in dynamic times
The ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances is of great importance to 46% of managers. In a constantly changing business world, adaptability enables you to respond proactively to change and develop innovative solutions.
The study "Future Leadership Trends 2024" by the Institute for Leadership and Human Resource Management at the University of St. Gallen shows that adaptable managers are better able to navigate their companies through crises and respond more quickly to market changes.
Employee retention: attracting and retaining talent
The ability to not only attract skilled workers, but also to retain them in the company in the long term, was cited by 37% of respondents as a crucial skill. Strong employee loyalty promotes continuity and stability in the company
According to the Gallup study "State of the Global Workplace 2023", stronger employee retention leads to higher productivity and 41% lower staff turnover. The aspects mentioned above are already making a significant contribution to this - for example, by relieving employees with the help of digital tools, which also strengthen the adaptability, resilience and flexibility of the company.
Social skills: the foundation of successful leadership
Employees expect their managers to have social skills above all else. They want human, self-confident and caring superiors. These skills help to create a positive working environment and increase team performance
The research work of Prof. Dr. Alexander Cisik (2024) shows that socially competent managers not only increase job satisfaction, but also sustainably promote innovation in companies.
Checklist: Important skills for managers in controlling
- Emotional intelligence: Understanding and managing your own and others' emotions (Harvard Business Review, 2023).
- Technological affinity: Knowledge and effective use of digital tools (WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management, 2023).
- Adaptability: Flexibility in the face of change and new challenges (University of St. Gallen, 2024).
- Employee retention: Ability to attract and retain talent in the long term (Gallup study, 2023).
- Social skills: Building and maintaining interpersonal relationships (Prof. Dr. Alexander Cisik, 2024).
This checklist serves as guidance for managers in (but not only in) controlling in order to identify the required skills and develop them in a targeted manner.
Controlling that connects: People, team and technology
And what if there was a tool that supported precisely these requirements - without any additional stress?
The future of controlling needs more than just numbers - it needs people who lead with emotional intelligence, act flexibly and recognize technological opportunities. But this is where the challenge often lies: how can all these requirements be reconciled in the hectic day-to-day routine?
This is exactly where CoPlanner comes in: As an intelligent, intuitive and AI-supported planning and controlling software, it not only relieves managers operationally, but also creates the freedom to focus on what really matters: Leadership with vision, strategic decisions and a strong team spirit.
Imagine how much you could achieve if routine tasks were automated, data was available in real time and you could make informed decisions with just a few clicks - always transparent, team-oriented and future-proof.
Digital strength for managers: your demo is waiting!
Discover how CoPlanner can strengthen you in your leadership role. Request your personal demo now - and experience what modern controlling looks like today.