Being a general manager might sound like a big and complicated job, but it’s not as hard to understand as it seems. This guide is written in a simple and clear way so that even a 10-year-old can understand what a general manager does, how to become one, and what skills they need. If you’re curious about the role or thinking of a career in business, keep reading!
What Is a General Manager?
A general manager, often called a GM, is someone who runs a business or part of a business. They make sure everything goes smoothly every day. Think of a general manager as the boss who oversees the whole team. They don’t just tell people what to do—they also plan, fix problems, and make big decisions to help the company grow.
General managers can work in many places—like hotels, restaurants, stores, factories, or even big office companies. No matter where they work, their job is to make sure the business runs well, the team is happy and productive, and the company makes money.
A general manager is responsible for many parts of a business: from hiring the right people to setting goals, handling budgets, and checking performance. They’re like the captain of a ship—guiding the crew and making sure the ship reaches its destination.
What Does a General Manager Do Every Day?
Every day, a general manager does many different things. They don’t sit at a desk all day doing the same task. Their day is filled with a variety of jobs that help the business succeed.
In the morning, a general manager might check emails, go over the schedule, and make sure everyone is ready for the day. Then they might have meetings with different department heads like sales, marketing, and finance to see what’s going on and what problems need to be solved.
They review numbers and reports to make sure the business is making enough money and not spending too much. If there’s a problem—like slow sales or unhappy customers—they come up with a plan to fix it. General managers also talk with customers or partners, helping to build strong relationships.
They often deal with staffing—hiring new employees, training staff, or handling conflicts. They also look ahead, planning for future growth and setting goals to improve the business.
Skills You Need to Be a General Manager
To be a successful general manager, you need a mix of skills. These are not just technical skills like using a computer or reading a budget sheet. Many are soft skills that help you work well with people and lead a team.
Leadership Skills
Leadership is one of the most important skills for any general manager. You have to lead a team, guide them, motivate them, and help them do their best work. A good leader doesn’t just give orders—they listen, support their team, and set a good example. Strong leadership helps the whole team feel confident and work better together.
Communication Skills
Being a general manager means talking to many people every day—staff, customers, business partners, and higher-level executives. You need to explain things clearly, listen carefully, and understand what others need. Good communication helps avoid mistakes and builds trust among the team.
Decision-Making Skills
General managers make lots of decisions—big and small—every day. Some decisions are about people, like who to hire or promote. Others are about money or strategies, like where to spend the budget or which product to launch. Being able to make smart, quick decisions is key to keeping the business moving forward.
Where Do General Managers Work?
General managers can work in almost any industry. Wherever there’s a team or a business, there might be a need for a general manager. You’ll find them in hotels, restaurants, retail stores, manufacturing plants, corporate offices, hospitals, schools, gyms, and more.
For example, in a hotel, a general manager oversees all departments—from housekeeping to front desk to maintenance. In a retail store, the general manager keeps track of sales, manages employees, and handles customer issues. In an office setting, they might manage departments like sales, HR, and finance.
This role is flexible and needed in both small businesses and large corporations. That’s why being a general manager is a great career—it’s in high demand and available in many places.
General Manager Education and Training
You don’t need to go to school for 10 years to become a general manager, but education does help. Most general managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, finance, or a related field. Some even go on to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to learn more advanced skills.
But school alone isn’t enough. Most general managers work in other jobs first—like assistant manager, team lead, or department head. As they gain experience and prove their leadership skills, they get promoted to general manager.
Many companies also offer management training programs. These programs help new managers learn how to lead teams, manage budgets, and solve problems.
How Much Money Does a General Manager Make?
General managers usually make a good salary because they carry a lot of responsibility. In the United States, the average salary for a general manager is around $80,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on the industry and company size.
For example, a GM at a small retail store might earn $60,000 per year, while a GM at a large hotel or corporate office might earn over $120,000. In big cities like New York or San Francisco, salaries tend to be higher due to the cost of living.
Bonuses and profit sharing are also common for general managers. If the business does well, they often earn more through performance-based rewards.
Job Titles Similar to General Manager
Not every company uses the title “General Manager,” but they might have similar roles with different names. Here are a few examples:
Operations Manager
An operations manager focuses more on the daily functions of a business. They look at how the company runs and work to make things more efficient. While a general manager oversees all areas, an operations manager might focus more on logistics, systems, and processes.
Business Manager
A business manager is very similar to a general manager. They handle many of the same tasks—like budgeting, team leadership, and strategic planning. The difference often depends on the company’s size or structure.
How to Become a General Manager
To become a general manager, you usually need a mix of education and experience. First, get a college degree in business, management, or something related. While you’re studying, try to get internships or part-time jobs in companies where you can learn how a business works.
Next, start working in an entry-level job. It might be a role in sales, customer service, or operations. Show that you’re a hard worker, a team player, and a natural leader. Over time, you can move up to supervisor or assistant manager roles. Once you’ve gained enough experience, you can apply for general manager positions.
It takes time—sometimes 5 to 10 years—but if you stay focused and keep learning, you can reach your goal.
The Bottom Line
Being a general manager is a big but rewarding job. You get to lead people, solve problems, and help a business grow. It’s not just about giving orders—it’s about inspiring your team, making smart choices, and building a better future for your company.
If you’re someone who likes working with others, solving problems, and taking responsibility, this could be the perfect job for you. With the right mix of education, experience, and soft skills like communication and leadership, you can become a successful general manager.
Whether you’re dreaming of managing a big hotel, a busy restaurant, or a corporate office, now you know exactly what it takes to get there. So start learning, work hard, and aim high—because the world always needs good leaders like you.