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.
Managers must be able to endure emotionally draining situations without letting circumstances get the best of them.
Can you manage conflict towards a win-win solution? Would you be comfortable delivering a public 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.
