The pertinence of a management skill may be evaluated along on four dimensions: a good analysis of the situation; a clearheaded decision regarding the actions to be undertaken; an adequate implementation plan; the achievement of the desired outcome. The skills to learn about, practice and develop in this course all essentially concern this task. The course focuses on the various ways a manager can exercise authority and on the different contexts in which it must be exercised; the emphasis is on action and practice. Systematic reflection about the skills that you will have occasion to experiment with and practise will allow you to begin to develop realistic management skills that are authentically your own. The course addresses the skills required in order to succeed in the following four broad domains: 1) exercising authority; 2) communication skills; 3) political skills; 4) influencing / leading a team or work group.