So You Want to Be a Manager?

by Mary G. White

Management can be a very rewarding career.  However, many people apply for or accept their first management job without stopping and thinking about what it really means to make the transition from being an employee to being a supervisor.  A lot of things will change when you become a manager, and it’s a good idea to stop and think about whether you just want to move ahead, or if you really want to manage other people. 

Change in Focus

When you are an employee, your focus is on performing the work of your organization.  When you become a manager, your role will change.  You will be responsible for directing other people who are now tasked with performing the work that used to be yours.  Some new mangers have a hard time making that transition and end up giving in to the temptation of doing the work for their employees, which damages their credibility in the long run.

Listening More Than Doing

Something that tends to shock most new managers is the sheer amount of time that they spend communicating with their employees.  Good managers spend more time listening than they do on any other activities.  Sometimes it feels like people are interrupting you by coming to talk with you all the time.  However, as the boss, maintaining open and effective communication with your employees isn’t an interruption - it’s your job. 

People Treat You Differently

If you are promoted to a management job, it will really hit home that you have become the boss the day you walk up to a group of chattering employees and they quit talking.  Before your promotion, the same people would probably have welcomed you into their casual conversation, but once you become the boss you aren’t going to be privy to participating in general co-worker chats.

While it may feel strange to have your former peers pull away from you in social situations, it is actually an important and natural part of your transition to a supervisory role.  Managers do need to maintain good working relationships with their employees.  However, it is important for managers to maintain an appropriate professional distance from those they supervise so their ability to make objective decisions isn’t compromised.

Is Management Right for You?

You are the only person who can decide if pursuing a career as a manager is right for you.  For the right person, moving to management can be the most rewarding career imaginable.  The best way to make the decision regarding whether or not a management position is right for you is to learn as much as you can about what management is all about before you make your decision. 

About the Author:

Mary Gormandy White is Director of Continuing Education and Corporate Training at Mobile Technical Institute http://www.mobiletechwebsite.com.  She teaches seminars, classes, and makes conference presentations on management, customer service, communication, and career development topics in the Mobile, AL area and nationwide.  Visit http://www.dailycareerconnection.com regularly for useful professional development tips and career advice. See http://www.dailybizsolutions.com for business operations and marketing tips.

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