A guide to becoming an effective manager
Becoming an effective manager takes dedication and willingness to develop a unique set of skills. So, if you’re thinking of taking the leap into this role, give this a read. I’ll try to explore the key steps in your journey to management.
Assessing your desire to become a manager
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of self-reflection before deciding to embark on this journey. Take a step back and ask yourself what is your motivation for wanting to be a manager. Are you attracted to the opportunity to lead or the potential for career growth? For me, it was the increased responsibility and the ability to better put my creative skills into practice. I have always been an ideas person, I like to analyze data and processes and I am curious and always excited about solving problems and challenging the status quo. As an individual contributor, I have always enjoyed helping my colleagues and working together towards the same goal.
You should take an honest look at your current skillset and experience. Identify your strengths that will support you in a management role but also the areas where you need to grow. Be your number 1 fan, but also your most honest critic. This evaluation will constitute your roadmap for development.
Another crucial aspect is to consider the challenges that come with managing a team. While you’ll have the satisfaction of guiding and mentoring your team members and implementing your ideas, you’ll also face difficult decisions and conflicts. I vividly remember the first time I had to terminate the employment of a team member and, no matter how warranted the decision might be or how many times I had to do it, it is still emotionally challenging to essentially leave someone without an income. The pressure to meet targets is also higher. Are you willing to navigate these complexities?
Essential management skills
It goes without saying that you also need to develop a range of skills. Practice makes perfect and you’ll get better as you gain more experience. Here’s a list of skills that I consider essential to becoming a successful manager:
Communication: clearly articulating ideas, active listening, and facilitating open dialogue.
Leadership: inspiring and motivating others toward common goals.
Decision-making: Assessing situations, analyzing data, and making informed choices.
Analysis capabilities: Being able to evaluate complex information and identifying trends and patterns.
Effective planning: Setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and efficient resource allocation.
Problem-solving: Identifying issues, developing solutions, and identifying improvements.
Demonstrating commitment, adaptability, and perseverance.
Seeking opportunities to show your leadership potential
First and foremost, start by taking more responsibilities at work. Work with your manager to build a personal development plan for your own growth and express your willingness to be involved in more projects. Volunteering for additional tasks will provide you with opportunities to learn new skills or put acquired skills to practice. Actively look for informal leadership opportunities such as mentoring colleagues.
Pursuing a management-related degree or certification is not the only path to success, but it can be very beneficial.
Don’t underestimate the power of networking! I remember when I started out, only a few other managers in my organization knew who I was before my promotion. Building relationships and making your accomplishments known can make a huge difference. Staying curious and seeking knowledge will benefit your personal growth and advance you in your quest.
Navigating the job search
Everyone starts somewhere and, yet, it seems that all openings for manager roles require previous experience. So how do you deal with this?
Identify your target roles and industries.
Always keep in mind that you’ll likely compete against candidates with management experience. This is why it is very important to tailor your resume to emphasize your relevant experience, leadership abilities, and accomplishments.
Consider factors such as size and culture. If you work for a large organization where management experience is essential, and leadership openings are infrequent, you might have to look for opportunities in smaller companies. Identify businesses in your target area and send them your resume and a cover letter outlining the benefits you would bring onboard.
Once you secure an interview, thoroughly prepare for it. Research the company and its culture and practice answering common management-related questions. You should be able to provide specific examples that showcase your skills. Become familiar with the company’s industry (trends, projections), products and services and bring them up during the interview. For example, if you are applying for the role of a Team Leader of a support team, review the company’s current support offerings and identify opportunities. Perhaps there is no knowledgebase of articles where users can find answers to their queries instantly. Include this in your interview, talk about the specific benefits it could bring and how your previous experience can help with implementing an effective self-service website.
The journey to management is a continuous learning process. Stay curious, actively seek opportunities of growth and enjoy the ride!