- General managers must have sound business skills. The position is very similar to that of a CEO with less responsibility. The GM must have solid financial and budgetary skills as well as strong cost control skills. He must be versed in accounting and the use of accounting data for decision making. Her responsibility is organization-wide. In some organizations the sales department is an exception. Although sales usually reports to the GM on occasion the sales department has a separate reporting structure.
- A good GM must have a solid understanding of human resources (HR) requirements and regulatory agency requirements. Staffing a company takes time and a well-planned effort. This function, although handled by HR directly, must be overseen by the GM. HR usually reports through the GM in smaller to medium-sized companies. In addition to staffing, the GM must approve and oversee retention issues, salaries and benefits.
- The GM must have strong managerial skills to manage the company's team of front-line managers. These will include the managers of many different divisions, such as production, line managers, IT, HR, marketing, communications, sales and manufacturing. The GM is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the departments are adequately staffed and covered for all shifts. The GM will set the standard for performance appraisals, bonuses and compensation.
- Information technology is a critical department within any large organization. The GM does not manage the daily functions of the IT department, however, the GM is responsible for the overall function of the IT department. The GM must put in place an effective IT manager and see that the department is staffed. The GM is responsible for all sorts of technology issues outside of IT, including any equipment necessary to operate the business.
- The GM's most important responsibility is to drive the ship. The general manager is responsible for strategic planning and development. Utilizing all of the cost and accounting information, the GM is responsible for planning future campaigns, revenue growth and production levels. He must be a forward-looking individual who can manage the company today while planning and implementing plans for tomorrow. GMs are responsible for deploying the resources necessary to carry out the company's goals and campaigns.
