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Have
you been thinking about a career in management? If so, you may have
already taken certain advantages (more money, greater influence) into
consideration. But there are other important areas to examine. It's
your responsibility to determine if this career goal is realistic--and
a good fit for you. To learn whether or not you have what it takes,
ask yourself a few key questions.
Are
You a Strong Communicator?
Poor communication wreaks havoc in the workplace. Studies have shown
that most employees have a strong desire to be "in the know." They
need to have a good idea of where they stand with their boss and what
role they play in achieving corporate objectives. A good manager can
provide this information, but it takes stellar communication skills.
Communication may seem easy, but it involves much more than being a
"smooth talker." It is actually one of the most difficult skills to
master. An effective communicator listens to others and has a highly
developed sense of perception. After all, communication involves
"hearing" unspoken messages by observing body language and facial
expressions. It takes a better-than-average understanding of people to
do that.
presentation?
Do you communicate well with people of different mindsets and value
systems? If you can emphatically answer "yes" to all these questions,
then you may possess the communicative ability of a great boss.
Are
You 100% Committed?
Employees who have difficulty motivating themselves should not seek a
leadership role. After all, how can you inspire others if you struggle
with personal motivation? Part of a manager's job involves developing
an environment in which the staff feels positive. How? Display a
consistently high energy level, genuine enthusiasm about department
goals, and sincere recognition for staff contributions. It is
extremely difficult to manage such feats while struggling with
personal motivation.
Does
it often take a tremendous amount of effort just to get out of bed in
the morning? Is it an uphill battle to stay productive throughout the
day? Is your job mainly a source of income, or is it an integral part
of your feelings of self-esteem and accomplishment? These are tough
questions for potential managers.
Marta
L. Driesslein, CPRW, is the president of Cambridge Career Services in
Knoxville, TN. He regularly coaches clients on the commitment required
to perform successfully in management. "Many of my management
clientele share war stories with me about their challenges,"
Driesslein explains. "They are surprised at the loss of
personal/family time, increased stress of meeting overly-ambitious
corporate goals, and the loss of friendships with previous co-workers
who they now must manage."
Driesslein tells the story of one woman who worked at a non-exempt
position earning $7.00 per hour. She was delighted to be promoted to
an exempt position as assistant manager at much higher salary--until
she began working the long hours required in her new role. Imagine her
dismay when she realized her employees made more than she did,
considering the overtime pay they were entitled to receive. As you
might expect, the thrill of management did not last long for her.
What
Is Your Resilience Level?
Resilience is the ability to bounce back quickly and recover from
setbacks and disappointments. Managers do not always get the resources
they need or the answers they want. Deadlines and on-the-job pressures
can be significant. Interpersonal conflicts may seem hopeless.
Managers must be able to endure emotionally draining situations
without letting circumstances get the best of them.
Many
people enjoy commiserating with fellow employees about the great
injustices of the workplace. Those who choose to fill precious time
complaining do not make effective managers. Effective managers have
the ability to accept disappointment without becoming discouraged.
They are "solution-finders" rather than "problem-identifiers."
Do
you have enough courage and conviction to see your suggestions or
requests denied by management, time and time again, and still keep
trying new and different ways to get things done? Are you able to
shoulder disappointments without wallowing in them or burdening
others? Do you welcome big challenges or do they deplete your energy?
Managers must have a strong enough constitution to overcome the
bureaucratic policies, personal agendas, and petty inequities that
poison any organization.
What
Are Your Options?
Perhaps you now realize that it requires a bit of thought to
realistically set your sights on management. Conversely, you may now
realize that it's a great fit for your abilities. If so, keep watching
excellent managers in action--and be patient. Becoming a good boss
takes time, commitment, and effort. Most importantly, however, it
takes a sincere desire for excellence.
Kathy
Simmons
practices what she preaches as the Assistant Vice President of Canada
Life Assurance Company in
Atlanta, where she is responsible for over 100 employees. She credits
Art Sharp, her writing mentor, and Jim Freeman, her father, with
providing the encouragement and inspiration needed to author many
management and career articles. |
