4 Ways to Show Youre Ready for Management - The Muse

4 Ways to Show Youre Ready for Management - The Muse4 Ways to Show Youre Ready for ManagementYouve got several years of experience under your belt, youve put in your fair share of time, sweat, and tears, and by your calculations, its your turn to move up into a leadership position.But, a job well done in the business world isnt like a standardized test- your past wertmiger zuwachs doesnt necessarily predict a successful future in management. And if your last official leadership role was coaching your intramural softball gruppe, it might be time to start thinking a little mora seriously about your plan to move up.My advice? Start with the person who has the power to actually promote you your manager. To prove to your boss that youre management material, its all about your attitude and willingness to do mora than just fulfill your basic job description.To make sure youre putting yourself in the right light, here are a few tips to impress your manager and prove youre ready to climb that corporate ladder.1. Be a Problem SolverLeaders dont just wait to be told what to do- they think strategically about what needs to be done, and then they do it. So, next time youre faced with a challenge,dont just tell your boss about the dicke bretter bohren mssenand wait for a solution. Instead, tell him or her how youre going to fix it.For example, lets say your websites traffic is down. It may be tempting to fall into the same routine of reporting it to your boss and simply waiting for direction- but to prove youre fit to be a leader, kick your creativity into gear and start thinking of new solutions. Maybe you could develop a strategy to attract new audiences by hosting a contest on your Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn sites to attract more followers and further engage current ones to help you spread your message. When you present the problem along with its possible solutions, your manager will recognize your initiative and dedication to the companys success.And look at internal issues, too If you think there are ways to do your job more efficiently,test those solutions and present them. You wont only make your life easier- youll prove to your boss that youre ready to improve the entire departments operations.2. Take on Small Management OpportunitiesOne of the best ways to show that youre ready for a leadership role is to find small ways to manage people or projects. Youll build your management skills, of course- but more importantly, youll start being viewed as a team leader.To snag some of these opportunities, you first have to make it known that youre ready for more responsibility. So, try asking your boss if there are any managerial tasks you can take off his or her plate, like training new hires,taking on a summer intern, leading meetings, or overseeing small project teams. Is your manager going on vacation before the summer ends? Check in before he or she leaves to see how you can step in during that time.You can prove your leadership skills through more casual means, too Offer to help plan the company picnic or volunteer with co-workers at a community event. As you take on more responsibility (and follow through with successful results), youll prove that youre committed to your team and will do what it takes to get things done.3. Understand the Whole Company- Not Just Your RoleTo be an effective manager, youll need a 360-degree view of the company. With the right information, youll be better equipped to make informed decisions and develop the right strategies to push your department forward. So, spend some time learning as much as you can about your business as a whole.First, nail the basics Act as if youre an outsider researching the company for an interview and (if youre not 100% familiar with them already) read up on the business current vision and goals. Then, move on to the most recent annual report and press releases to delve into company operations, strategies, and challenges. And dont forget to research your competitor s, too, to see exactly where you rank in your industry.Then, consider your personal knowledge of the internal workings of your company. If theres an area you dont know too much about- like finance, human resources, or supply chain management- introduce yourself to people in that department and ask if you can shadow them for an afternoonto learn a little about what they doon a daily basis. Youll impress your boss by proving that youre interested in more than your own responsibilities- but youll also understand how other departments work together to contribute to the companys overall success.WANT HELP GETTING ON THE MANAGEMENT TRACK?Hint The best leaders know they dont know all the answers.Hire a Leadership Coach 4. Be ProfessionalFinally, as youre thinking about how to get to the next level, remember to make sure that youre exemplary in what you do now. Would you want a manager who misses deadlines, forgets to answer emails, and gossips about other employees? Of course not- and even though youre not a supervisor yet, you shouldnt be displaying those behaviors, either.Instead, demonstrate a good work ethic by being on time and courteous to other co-workers. Avoid office gossip, aim to have the reputation of someone who everyone can trust, and approach your everyday tasks with a positive attitude.I know- it seems simple. But sometimes, its all about the basics. At the end of the day, if youre the go-to person your boss and co-workers can always count on, youll be on the right track to move up.Once you perfect the intangible qualities of a leader- like responsibility, initiative, problem solving, vision, and follow-through- youll prove that you can add value to your company in a management position. It might take time, but thats OK Itll put you in the perfect light when the opportunity for a vorrcken comes up.