What Is People Management?

People management refers to a manager's role in training, developing and motivating employees to perform their best. This role is distinct from other managerial roles, such as administration and decision making. About.com indicates that people management is the most difficult and most important role of a manager.

Hiring and training new employees is typically the starting point for people management. Over time, managers regularly evaluate each employee's work, provide feedback and offer training. Effective communication about a worker's positive attributes and areas for improvement are primary people-management responsibilities. Managers also delegate tasks to their employees and provide direction toward specific objectives.