Qualifications of Office Manager

Like any other functional manager, the office manager must also possess requisite qualifications to manage office activities successfully. The following are some of the more important qualification, which the office manager should possess:

1. Education and training: The office manager must have a sound educational background. He should be able to communicate well with his superiors, subordinates and the general public. He should have an analytical mind and capability of resolving problems.· Special training in business administration, accounting and office management are desirable qualifications for the office manager. He must be capable of taking decisions by himself when the situation so demands. Training and work experience brings maturity. Both are invaluable for the success of an office manager.

2. Personal qualities: In addition to having sound educational qualification and special training, the office manager must possess certain personal qualities. Self-control, sincerity, adaptability, tact and persuasiveness, are some of the qualities that an office manager should possess. The total personality of the office manager should be such that he may be able to maintain discipline and harmony among the staff giving them a sense of Fairplay and firmness.

3. Leadership qualities: Office manager must have leadership qualities, that is the ability to enthuse, ‘to inspire and to lead and guide subordinates. He should be in a position to get the best out of his staff. Through leadership, the office manager can mould people working under him into a unified team dedicated to the achievement of the general goal of the organisation.

4. Experience: Education and training alone are not enough for an office manager to be successful in his job. He must have practical experience in the field of personnel management and general management. With business experience, he may find it easier to get acquainted with the organisation activities and tackle problems which may arise in the office.