The desire to lead is a desire many of us nurse silently. While some might be vocal about leading a company or a
team, others might be reserved about it. More so, people who want to lead but are often discouraged is as a result of not know what steps to take. The inability of not knowing what step to take is the reason many are discouraged or confused as to whether they have all it takes to manage a company.
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However, it’s very encouraging to always want to progress by being team leads, directors, managers and so on. Attempting to climb up the corporate ladder is an indication that we desire to make an impact on a larger scale. In this article, I’m going to teach you how to prepare yourself to move into a management role.
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Understand What It Means To Be A Leader Or A Manager
The first step towards preparing yourself for moving to a management role like Team Lead, Project Manager, or Technical Manager, is to seek an understanding of what such a role entails. You must understand the duties and responsibilities of the desired management role. You must know what skills – soft and hard – to possess.
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Invest In Self Development As Regarding Leadership And Management
When you are desirous of entering a managerial role it’s expedient that you master the needed skills before you enter such positions. Prioritise learning books, especially reading books on human management and communication. Read LinkedIn and Harvard
Business Review where topics on management are often discussed.
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Shadow
Engaging in shadow leadership can give you a firsthand experience of your desired role. What does it mean to shadow lead? This means watching closely the employee whose position you’re interested in. Examine what tasks and responsibilities are delegated to him and watch closely how he carries them out. Find out the skill sets s/he possesses, what leadership or management school s/he had attended in order to perform adequately for the role etc.
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Communicate Interest
This is very key. No one knows your interest when you’re quiet about it, therefore, it’s expedient to communicate your interest to the right persons. This could be the manager, you can approach him that you would like to take more responsibilities by being the manager in the company. Communicate what you intend to bring to the table. Your employer can even help you understand what the role entails and might work out a succession plan for you when he sees your genuine interest.
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Network Right
It’s appropriate you network with the right people, even outside your company, that can help you with getting to your desired role. Seek the right people with the right professional advice. LinkedIn is a good place to start.
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Start Standing-In
Start taking on the responsibilities of your desired role when there’s the absence of the person whose role you’re interested in. You can help your companies sales head take stocks. Such things will give you firsthand experience.
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This article was first published on 1st September 2021
nnaemeka-emmanuel
Nnaemeka is an academic scholar with a degree in History and International Studies from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is also a creative writer, content creator, storyteller, and social analyst.
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