Community managers often have to be all things to all people.  They're required to have good technical skills, strong emotional capabilities with an encyclopedic knowledge of their subject area.  I thought it might be useful to list a few key capabilities that go to the heart of what makes a good community manager a great one.  So without further ado, I present to you the anatomy of a community manager.

The anatomy of a community manager

• Adaptability – On your community it is inevitable that plans will evolve over time as external events shape them.  Situations may change, or perhaps your members simply find a better way of doing things.  Adaptability is a key skill to master.
• Social awareness – How strong are you socially?  Are you able to quickly gauge the mood of the group and how it is performing?  Can you relate well with individuals in that group to get the most out of them?  You will need to be an excellent leader of your tribe.
• Flexibility – You need to be comfortable with ambiguity to be a strong community manager.  You should be comfortable letting structure and results emerge over time.  Having a one best way is not the way of continued success.
• Challenge the status quo – You won't be someone that merely accepts the  way something is.  If you see value in alternative approaches you'll have the courage to follow your convictions.
• Output not input – Are you able to focus on the results and milestones you require rather than getting bogged down in details?  Always keep the purpose of your community at the heart of everything you do.
• Political influence – No community is an island so you will need to have influence within your organisation to ensure your community gets the resources it needs.  This means having influence outside your area of formal authority.  You need to cross organisational lines and remove any barriers to collaboration.
• Competence – You need to be highly competent in your field so that people respect you when you talk.  Remember in any community your members aren't paid to listen to you, you have to earn their respect by your words and deeds.
• Strong values – Your members need to trust you that you'll do the right thing, so you need to exhibit strong values and principles at all times.
• Listening – Do you listen or merely wait your turn to talk?  Would you change your opinion mid conversation?  Do you approach problems with a blank slate and seek to collate knowledge from a range of sources before deciding, or do you have a decision and then seek information to support your choice?

Community managers are unique in that we have to command respect without relying on formal authority over our community.  The capabilities outlined above should go someway towards helping you achieve that.  As always, if you have any other traits of a community manager do please leave them in the comments section.