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Are You Management
Material?
If you're just starting
out after finishing school, or even if you've been
on the job a few years, you probably wonder if, someday, you might assume a
management position in your area of expertise. Maybe you aspire to become the
department head, or the shift supervisor, the director or even the CEO. Most people
do.
What are the characteristics of a good manger? More importantly, do you
fit the profile?
Are You a Multi-Tasker?
Managers oversee the work for others. Sometimes lots of others. They
coordinate work activities, conduct research and tests, plan business strategies
and
handle a bunch of complaints from the work floor - and that's all before
morning
coffee!
Think you could learn to juggle three balls in the air? How about 10?
Well, you'd better learn to keep a lot of balls in the air to be a successful
manager. You have to be able to shift from one project to another without missing a
beat. You must organize each workday to make the best use of your time. As a manger, director, supervisor or company owner, each day will be
filled with different challenges. You just have to add each new challenge to the
pile
and
smile.
How's Your Judgment?
If you think it'd be a good idea to take your life savings and put it
all
on red at the casino, you're probably not going to succeed as a company
CFO.
You may have the training and experience, but clearly, you come up short on
sound, fiscal judgment - something any successful CFO must have. Managers make decisions all day, everyday. And while every one of them
may
not be a winner, most of them must be. That calls for common sense, street
smarts and industry savvy. Watch how current managers do it. Learn all you can
about
your company and your industry or profession, stay current on current
news and trends and develop a critical eye.
Do You Have Managerial Skills?
Can you write a decent letter or download an encrypted file from the
main
office? Can you balance the ledger, review the time sheets and manage your
department's budget? All functions of management.In many cases, you can pick up and even hone these skills on the job.
Learn the procedures and protocols by closely watching the work activities of
others
in positions similar to those to which you aspire. It's practical learning,it has application to your ultimate career success and it's 100% free. Learn by
watching. In some cases, you can pick up or brush up on skills through adult ed
classes, vocational tech schools and your local community college. Here, you can
improve your computer skills (essential for any manager); learn how to compose a
letter and a report and an evaluation. You can get certified, authorized,licensed or
approved, thus increasing your value as a manager.
Are You a Team Leader?
That's what a manager is - a team leader. He has to organize the team
members to work in unison, increasing individual and department productivity.Could you do that? He has to inspire the troops when the crunch is on. A manager is a
cheerleader, urging the team ever upward toward success. How are your leadership
skills? Not sure?
Try working with a volunteer agency in your community, or get involved
in
local politics. Learn to be a good follower. Good followers make the best
leaders. Gradually, assume more responsibility within the organization. It'll
hone
your decision-making skills, your diplomatic skills and, you'll be doing
something good for others. That's a pretty nice package. Coach your daughter's baseball team or your son's basketball team.
You'll
learn to give directions in ways that inspire instead of scare to death.
You'll
get more out of the team with solid, straightforward management techniques
than through the use of intimidation and fear tactics. (Extremely counterproductive.)
How Are Your People Skills?
Managers don't manage projects or reports or new testing procedures.Managers manage people, at least the good ones do. And that means good managers
have good people skills.
They manage by example. They're honest with those they manage. They
defend
the
> team and individual players. And, they have empathy. Empathy is the ability to put yourself in the shoes of others. A great
manager (not just a good one) is able to empathize with the people he directs.
He
knows what it's like. Maybe he's been there. Or, maybe he just understands human needs and feelings - the need to
belong, the need for self-esteem, the need to trust and to be appreciated.
Empathy enables great managers to get the most from their employees by
creating the team, motivating it and keeping it on track - all the while,
adapting
to the needs of the team and its individual members. Each team member is
different,and accordingly, must be treated individually. Some people take
criticism
well; others tear up. Good managers know who is who on the team.
Do You Have the Ambition? Well, you're reading this, so chances are, you do want to become a
manager
and take on more responsibility. Congratulations. You have the inner drive.
But, do you have the stamina?
It takes time, effort and dedication to prove your worth to an employer.It's not a sprint, it's a marathon. You may have to take work home with you,
or
work a weekend or two. It comes with the territory, and not everyone is cut
out
to take on the extra work and to put in that extra effort. It doesn't matter whether you're just starting in your first
'entry-level'
job,or you've been in the workplace for a few years. Becoming a good manager
- great manager takes more than desire.So, are you management material? You're still reading, aren't you?
Written By :
Teena Rose
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Writer
Profile
teena@beyondthecraft.com
Teena Rose is a
columnist, public speaker, and certified/published resume
writer
with Resume to Referral http://www.resumebycprw.com She's authored
several books, including "20-Minute Cover Letter Fixer" and "Cracking the
Code to Pharmaceutical Sales."
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