Being a relationship manager is no easy feat. Ensuring all plans are aligned with the client’s needs and expectations can be challenging. Top it all off with the responsibility to mentor and coach your team along the way — that’s certainly a tall order!

However, relationship managers who possess certain skills are better at managing their affairs than those who lack such skills. Let us explore some skills that enable relationship managers to be their best.

1.Relationship-building

Relationship-building is the bread and butter of a relationship manager. It involves building trust with your clients and your team, showing empathy for your client’s needs, and addressing issues in a timely manner. Remember that establishing valuable relationships requires consistency and patience.

2.Leadership

Great leaders ensure that their teams not only achieve their goals successfully; they also learn and grow throughout the experience. A good relationship manager knows how to hire the right people on the team, how to delegate tasks, ensure accountability and provide a positive experience for everyone involved.

3.IT Skills

To be successful in the commercial banking and wealth management sector, a team leader needs to be proficient in their IT skills. As a relationship manager, you will be responsible for the technology needs of your client. When dealing with marketing, customer service, or support, you may have to resolve issues in a timely manner. Knowledge of the software and technical skills related to the finance industry is also an essential skill to have. 

4.Communication

Lack of communication can adversely affect the relationship with your team and your clients. Be open in your communication. Provide the necessary details and avoid digressing. People want information in a clear and crisp manner and they want to know why they should care about that information? It is your job as a relationship manager to convince your clients why your product or service is the right fit for them.

5.Transparency

The sales and finance industry may have a bad reputation for not being transparent, but how you deal with your potential and existing clients can possibly break some stereotypes. Being transparent helps people feel that you are trustworthy and clients would want to do business with someone they can trust.

Are you looking to transition into the relationship management industry or are you a firm looking for relationship managers? Highly-qualified search firms can help you find the top commercial bank and private wealth talent and match you with firms that are the right fit for you.

Finding People Who Make a Difference®. Sanford Rose Associates® understands the need to find the people who will “make a difference.” Our goal is to match human capital needs with highly qualified individuals as quickly and efficiently as possible, with the end goal of enhancing the client’s organizational capability.