My business degree will be completed only a few months from now and it has got me thinking about what the hell I want to do after wards. Do I want to work for myself or become a manager in some organization? My situation is a little different than most university students as I work full time and go to school. Speaking of managers, I thought I would do a quick little write up about becoming a manager.
Over the years I’ve met many great managers, co-workers who wanted to be managers and classmates who had ambitions of becoming managers and workplace leaders. There is nothing wrong with becoming a manager but I feel that too many university students want to become managers for the wrong reasons. Ask a university student why they want to become a manager and the answer will almost always include the words “money” or “prestige”. Being money motivated is not an issue for me and I would actually encourage it. As a matter of fact, in grade school, every “A” on a report card would mean an extra $25 in my pocket. What does bother me and is happening in many organizations around North America are the lack of managerial and leadership skills that management possess. Many of these people come right out of university with a piece of paper and are ready to collect a fat check, but are they really ready to be a manager?
Below are some tips if you are serious about advancing in your career. If you can follow these tips, it will help you succeed as a manager.
Getting a Mentor:
If you don’t have a mentor already, I highly recommend getting one. You need to surround yourself with people who are already managers or directors not only within your organization but outside the workplace. These people will be here for you if you need questions answered as well as getting a different perspective. You will hopefully begin to pick up their skills in terms of managing other people and projects.
Leading People and Projects:
As you should know by now, managing and directing someone or something is one of the biggest responsibilities when you move up in an organization. Now that you have spent some time with a mentor, you should look for an opportunity to test out what you have learned. There is always an opportunity to move up even if you don’t think there is. For example, if there is a team project; step up and volunteer to lead it. Notify your boss that you are looking to prove yourself.
Thinking Big:
All effective managers do a good job at not only seeing what is needed right now but foreseeing what is needed tomorrow. All good managers have the skill to anticipate what could happen or might happen by keeping an eye on the horizon.
Strategic Thinking:
All projects – large or small – a manager who is successful will approach it strategically. The same goes for when dealing with employees and even outside the work place in personal matters.
A successful manager will continue to develop their skills and abilities throughout their career.
[Photo Source: tiarescott]
