Skills are one of the most important facets of every professional career. In the business sector, there are two types of skills that every employee and manager should possess. 

First is the hard skills, which refers to the highly technical skill sets relating to a specific task or situation. Hard skills involve thorough understanding and proficiency in handling activities that require professional, technical, or academic qualifications. Examples of hard skills include equipment handling, technology development, and project management. 

On the other hand, soft skills are learned abilities that involve dealing with other people. It is the combination of interpersonal communication skills, social skills, personality, attitudes, and emotional quotient, among others. The most successful entrepreneurs will show a solid understanding of both hard and soft skills. 

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What skills do you need to manage other employees and subcontractors?

When it comes to managing employees and subcontractors, it is important to deal with them in a hands-on and professional manner. Here are six things every manager should keep in mind to make any work and deal run smoother and more efficiently.

Contracts and safety compliance

Before employees or subcontractors start working with you, it is good to have detailed discussions of the contract. All contracts should indicate the roles and responsibilities of the job. Expectations and project specifications must also be outlined in the contract. Subcontractors should present all safety procedures and requirements relating to the task at hand in the contract.

Make sure everything is up to date

Ensure that employees and subcontractors have access to the information required to do their job efficiently. Any updates in the management, change of deadlines, and other information relating to their jobs should be properly disseminated through memos or other means.

Regular meetings

Schedule regular meetings to keep your employees and subcontractor up to date with any changes. Regular meetings can become the venue where employees and subcontractors can voice out their concerns regarding safety, quality of work, and issues in the project, helping prevent potential disputes.

Proper documentation

Make sure that every report, documentation, and e-mails are acknowledged or signed. By doing so, there would be a paper or digital trail and proof of receipt. Remember to keep all correspondence on file to avoid any disputes in the future.

Open communication

It is no secret that having open and reliable communication channels can help any business strive better. Make sure to note every feedback and track all agreements, contracts, and conversations. 

Use contract management software

Contract management software is a lifesaving tool when it comes to managing employees, subcontractors, and business deals. With proper contract management software in place, it will be easier to track projects, keep up with the schedule, and maintain all documentations.

More on this topic: What are the best contract management softwares for 2021?


What skills does a contract manager need?

Contract managers should at least have basic knowledge of finance, business, and IT. Great understanding of how legal documentation and business management work is also a must. To be an effective contract manager, one must possess initiative, strong leader skills, and good verbal communication skills. 

What does good contract management look like?

Having a successful contract management means that expected business benefits, efficiencies and monetary value are delivered. The provider cooperates and responds. Your organization understands its obligations under the contract. There are no disputes nor surprises.

What is a good contract manager?

An excellent contract manager is the bridge between the company and the supplier. To ensure that expectations are realistic and milestones reached, the following essential tools are in every contractor’s toolkit: negotiating and influencing smart people. skills in effective communication and project management.

More on this topic: How do you handle contracts?


5 ways to improve your contract management skills

There is always room for improvement when it comes to efficiency and effectiveness of contract management. Here are five simple tips that can help in the betterment of contract management. 

Review

Review Current Process and Set Goals. Reviewing the current situation of your contract management can help you gain an insight on how to improve it further.

Templates

Use Templates. Use contract templates that have simplified language and less jargons. 

Automation

Digitize, Automate, and Centralize. Invest in a good contract management software that can centralize and organize contracts and other legal documents.

Consulting

Hire a Contract Management Consultant. Bringing in the help of a contract management consultant can help get things started and going. A new pair of professional eyes have a better chance of spotting what’s wrong in your current system.

Update

Keep Contract Management Up to Date. Contract management is continuously developing to provide businesses better service. As such, it is advisable to monitor the development of contract management on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.

More on this topic: How do you keep track of contracts?


About Zendoc

Zendoc is a full-service AI-powered contract automation system that not only organizes all of your agreements into a single database but keeps you up-to-date on what you need to do to extract as much value from your contracts as possible. You don’t have to worry about forgetting your obligations because you don’t have to remember them in the first place.

Try Zendoc today for free!

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