Want to Get Into Management? Here Are 6 Ways To Tell If You’re Ready

I don’t think you really know if you’re ready for management until you’re actually doing it.

That was the case with me anyway.

Most people become managers as the logical next step in their career — either for the salary, prestige or simply because they’ve been in the organization long enough. But in my opinion, there is so much more to management. It’s a chance to really challenge yourself and make a difference in the organization you work for. It’s a chance to help change people for the better and have a lasting impact on their lives.

Not only that, but you get to learn the inner workings of your organization, where people listen and value each other’s opinions — most of the time anyway. You have a level of responsibility as well as influence on the business where you make positive, lasting changes.

There’s no doubt that management comes with its challenges, but it can be one of the most rewarding steps you can take in your career.

So, if you’re an aspiring manager and looking to go after your first management role, I say, GO FOR IT.

You might feel apprehensive about taking the leap. You’ll likely have doubts. But remember that you’re not going to know everything the second you take the role. If you work for a great organization, they should be patient and allow you the space to grow.

Take your time and enjoy the learning curve. The day will come when you have to make important decisions, so build solid foundations from day one.

So how do you know if you’re ready? Here are 6 things I’ve learnt to be an essential part of being a successful manager.

You understand people

It’s good to point out here that you don’t need to be a natural leader to get into management. Leadership can be taught. It’s the reason the leadership training industry is valued at close to $366 billion.

Good managers are good because they understand people.

Anyone can become a manager. But to be a good manager and an effective leader requires more than just being “good with people” it requires an understanding of people. There’s a difference.

Understanding people means knowing how to be humble, compassionate and empathetic. These are often forgotten skills as we all want to get the job done. But if your team doesn’t feel valued, then they’re not going to do the work.

You’ll be guiding, coaching, listening and solving problems. It’s part of the job. It’s the people you manage that will get you the results you want. Understand them and you’ll succeed.

You don’t need to do it for the money

If money is your driving force, then you’re on the wrong track. There are other ways you can make money without getting into management, so make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons.

Yes, management usually means more money, but if it’s the main motivator, then you’ll struggle in the role.

Ask yourself why you want to get into management. Really dig deep and see what answers come back.

You can make decisions when it matters

This may seem obvious on the surface. It may also seem easy when you think about it, but when you’re faced with an important decision that can change how your team functions or might affect people’s lives, it’s important to know how to make decisions.

Lots of new managers overlook the importance of decision-making. They’re used to others making the decisions, or being able to escalate a problem.

In my experience, this is where inexperienced managers learn the hardest lessons. Making an incorrect decision can be one of the steepest learning curves you can experience as a new manager.

Making the right decision can feel great, but you won’t always get it right. If anything, you’ll probably only get to a point where you make better decisions.

Most importantly though, avoid indecision at all costs.

You can think on a strategic level

This takes practice. As a new manager, you’re not necessarily going to be thinking strategically from day one. Thinking strategically means stepping out of your comfort zone and looking at your work on a broader level, and over a longer period of time than usual.

Thinking strategically allows you to:

Understand the implications of what you’re doing and the effect your work has on the organization

Identify trends in your company or business, to help move the organization in the right direction

Challenge assumptions on how things are done in your department or business. Just because it has always been done a certain way, doesn’t make it right.

By thinking strategically, you can make better decisions and solve problems more creatively.

You’re able to plan effectively

Planning is one of the most important aspects of a leadership or management role. Too often, managers are so busy fire-fighting daily issues, they forget about planning for the future.

A good manager knows how to plan. But plans don’t always go to plan. Be adaptable with your plans and allow them to evolve as circumstances change. By planning, you’re showing that you can think strategically and that you’re thinking about the bigger picture. Planning allows you to understand where you want your team to be at a certain point in the future.

You know you can’t rely on the technical stuff anymore

Your technical skills have served you well over the years, but when you step into a management role, they can no longer be your go-to place. By all means, use these skills to remind people that you know what you’re talking about, but don’t prioritize them over thinking about the bigger picture. They’re an asset now, something you can use when you need it.

If you rely too much on your technical skills, you’ll fall short of being a good manager. On the other hand, if you are new to a team or, for whatever reason, you don’t have the technical skills or knowledge, get up to speed as quickly as you can. You don’t need to be an expert, but good all-round knowledge is essential to leading an effective team. Find the balance.

Management is about learning. It’s a journey with no real or clear destination. That ‘s what makes it so exciting. You’ll face new and interesting challenges regularly as you grow in your role.

You’re going to make mistakes. The important thing is how you respond to those mistakes. Try not to beat yourself up about them for too long and take them as learning opportunities rather than failures.