If you’re a successful individual contributor and you are doing well in your career, you’re likely to be asked an important question: Are you interested in a management role? First, you should evaluate your career path based on your interests, ambitions, as well as your strengths and shortcomings. Consider how you align with the following key competencies and related questions for assuming a manager’s role:
People Skills: Do you have strong communication, leadership, and strategic thinking skills?
Values: Are your personal values aligned with the organization’s values? Are you motivated to lead, guide, and support your team?
Organization Prowess: Are you confident in leading not only a team but being able to navigate organizational culture, change, and politics? A manager’s role requires humility, empathy, and alignment with the organization’s goals.
Second, while being a manager can be a rewarding career path, it also comes with a lot of extra responsibility, stress, and work. You’re not only managing yourself but are in a way responsible for other’s work. Below are more questions to ask yourself when considering a manager’s role:
Are you able to give feedback? This requires providing feedback to your employees that’s meaningful and timely, and lots of it on a regular basis-whether positive or negative.
Are you comfortable dealing with conflict? If you find you do well in situations such as dealing with an angry customer or employee, management could be a great fit for you.
Are you willing to attend extra meetings and work longer hours? Maintaining a work/life balance requires setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks effectively, and making time for self-care to avoid negative impacts on your life.
If your organization has identified you as a high-potential (HIPO) and/or you’ve responded yes to the above questions, it’s time to prepare for the promotion to manager. Many organizations offer a HIPO development program or training classes to prepare your way. Management development remains the HR leader’s #1 priority in 2025 for the third consecutive year, according to a survey by Gartner, Inc. The continued focus on manager development comes as managers’ report feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities. That can be reduced by manager training or an external coach.
Other ways to prepare for your promotion include:
Create a strong personal brand – this goes beyond accomplishments. It requires creating opportunities where you can share your expertise and vision for the organization’s future. This requires more effort in the hybrid workplace. Seek ways to present to senior management – not just your boss.
Work with your boss to make him aware of your career aspirations. Find ways to lead special projects and teams.
We can help you! For more information on how our customized management training and coaching can help you prepare for your manager promotion or if you’re already a manager and need professional leadership development, please contact The Bradley Partnerships, Inc. to learn more about our service offerings, please go to our website at www.bradleypartnerships.com or contact our office at: 724-799-8170.
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