So you are thinking about becoming a manager? Does the thought terrify you or would you look forward to the challenge? There are several things you can do to prepare for management: and rushing out to get a management qualification is not necessarily the first step.
1. Think about why you want to be a manager.
What attracts you? Is it the pay? Opportunity to do more? Status? Keen to be more involved in the organisation? Once you know that, then you can look for the right kind of management post.
2. Did someone else encourage you to think about becoming a manager?
If so, why? Do they think you have good organisational skills? Leadership skills? What makes them think you’ll be a good manager? You might be surprised at their answers.
3. You are suspicious that this is “tokenism”
So what? Just get your foot in the door and make sure the tokenism quickly becomes a non-issue. Talk to people if you are concerned, and try and identify what it is that is making you feel uncomfortable.
4. If you really feel it is tokenism, then talk to the management and see what is in for them: and then turn that round and see what is in it for you
Any promises they make, make sure you keep a note in case you need to go back at a later date.
5. Whatever we think, management jobs are not given to us as a “right” (even if it seems like that sometimes with certain people!) – we have to earn it
Look at your current job and examine your own performance. Do you meet deadlines? Do you get things done? Do you help your manager where you can? (Without becoming the office creep)
6. Do you enjoy what you do?
Iif you don’t then that will be clear and people will be reluctant to recommend you. If you hate your job, then start to think differently about it and think of the bits you do like.
7. What could you do to “go that extra mile”?
Volunteer to help your team complete a project or task? Make suggestions and put forward new ideas (again without irritating the pants off colleagues)
8. Are there short courses or talks you can attend to sharpen up your knowledge or your networking?
9. Let it be known that you are interested in moving up
Colleagues and managers sometimes can be quite surprised to know you have ambitions. Be nice around the office – the most irritating people never get very far.
10. Try and develop some self-awareness and watch other people’s reactions to you
Do they cut you short? (Why?) Do they avoid you or include you in their discussions? Do they ask you for your ideas or proposals? All these are signs (or not) that you are seen as a potential manager. Good luck!
Want to know more? Contact Laraine Callow at Deafworks for mentoring or coaching or even some career counselling.
