I am willing to spend money so that you can advance as an individual, and I trust you enough to believe that you will bring those skills back and help me with them, rather than my competitor. A 21st century manager can communicate. It's great to have a vision, but if you can't communicate it to those who hold the purse strings, you're sunk before you've left the dock. Develop writing and speaking skills. If you're not comfortable speaking in front of a group, take a public speaking course.
Writing takes practice, but there are shortcuts.
As you read your favorite authors' works, note the stylistic items that make their voices different from others. Think about what makes you a different person and how to translate that into your writing. All in all, a 21st century manager is a versatile, flexible person who concentrates more on building and leading teams of excellence than on individual status and accomplishments. Shapiro is district technology coordinator for Kingsport City Schools in Tennessee. Feedback Tell us your thoughts on this article or the issues raised in it.