LEADERSHIP SKILLS NEEDED BY SECRETARIES FOR EFFECTIVE OFFICE MANAGEMENT IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS

This study focused on leadership skills needed by secretaries for effective office management in higher institutions. The total population of the study comprised 60 secretaries and their bosses in Redeemers university, Ede, Osun State. For the purpose of collecting information, various literature and textbooks were consulted. Also a well structured questionnaire was constructed, administered on the subject. The frame work for data collection of the research work was built on four (4) research questions. (i) What are the communication skills needed by secretaries for effective office management in higher institutions? (ii) What are the conflict resolution skills needed by secretaries for effective office management in higher institutions? (iii) What are the time management skills needed by secretaries for effective office management in higher institutions? (iv) What are the empathy skills needed by secretaries for effective office management in higher institutions? The questionnaire was distributed by hand. Responses to the research questions were analyzed using simple mean method. The findings revealed that communication skills are needed by secretaries for effective office management in higher institutions. It was concluded that secretaries should possess the following conflict management skills; ability to be impartial, ability to have open communication, ability to settle disputes and ability to make the right decision will help secretaries job performance. It was recommended that Potential secretaries should possess communication skills because this will enable them to manage colleagues and members of management more effectively.