Much like the pyramids of ancient Egypt, there is a structure to the skills a manager must learn in order to succeed. Each level of skills builds on the previous level. As you master a skill, you add it to that level. As you complete a level you advance to the next level, building on your successes. That's how you get ahead in your career.

The article The Management Skills Pyramid gives an overview of these levels, starting with the basics (plan, organize, direct, and control) and moving upward in difficulty. As you read the article, you will find links to pages detailing each level and the skills you must master at that level.

Is your management career not moving along as quickly as you'd like? Maybe you don't have all the skill you need for promotion to the next level. Re-visit The Management Skills Pyramid as often as needed to stay on track.

Organizations experience stress just as people do. How your organization has reacted to the current economic conditions may have changed your company culture in ways that aren't necessarily visible yet. You need to check and make sure your company culture still reflects what you want it to be.

Do you know what your current company culture really is as a result of these changes? Is it still what you want it to be? Companies with well defned cultures consistently outperform other companies - during good times and bad. Make sure your team is aligned with the company culture. They will be more efficient and your job will be easier.

If you know how to assess your company's current culture and how to change it to align with your strategic goals if necessary you should be doing that. If you aren't sure how to do that, here is what you need to know about company culture and how to change it.

Brian Scudamore, CEO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK, a trash removal service claims that employees cannot be motivated and all you can do is inspire them and equip them with the right tools. What do you think? Take our poll below.

For many people, managers included, one of the most difficult times is when you have to speak in public. For some people, this is not a major problem, but you will not succeed as a manager if you are unable to speak confidently in front of a group. You don't have to enjoy it, but you do have to be able to do it well.

Like so many other things, public speaking gets easier with practice. You just go out and do it and each time it gets easier. To get you started, here are the 10 steps that show you How To Speak In Public To A Group. It gives you the tips you need to be an effective public speaker. They will help you whether you are speaking to your first handful of subordinates or addressing a major industry conference.