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The first time in your professional life that you have a position in management you will be confronted with new challenges and responsibilities. To ensure the success of your career in management, you should be well prepared and willing to learn. Take to heart the following tips on getting into management and staying there after a successful start.
Specify your expectations of management
You are selected for a management position because you have the professional qualifications. Be very clear about which problems and questions you will face in a career in management.
- Which tasks are short-term, and which need to be dealt with over the long-term?
- Which problems require an urgent solution?
- What risks might be in store?
The answers to these questions will tell you what areas to deal with first. Internal employee communication is equally important in a career in management. Clearly specify which special and measurable objectives you have set for yourself and your new employees. This requires abilities that you might not have previously needed.
Key abilities for a career in management
Motivating employees, prompt and practical problem-solving, and performance evaluation are part of your responsibilities in management. Ask experienced colleagues for valuable tips and training hours. Internal and external coaching sessions designed especially for those beginning a career in management are also great aids that help you successfully and effectively fill your position. Show your willingness to learn by reading specialised literature for managers on the internet or in book form outside of your work hours. Participate in training courses, either online or in the relevant facilities in your city. The quality of your management style is decisive in terms of the success of your department.
Personnel management and delegating
When you enter management you are no longer one of many small wheels, but rather an important drive for your company. In this position it is expected that you;
- clearly communicate your vision for success to your employees,
- inspire employees to achieve their best performance,
- optimise and encourage team work,
- encourage your employees.
This last point is closely related to another management topic: delegation. Tasks that you previously had to do yourself are now passed on to your team. You pick the most qualified colleagues and explain what you expect from them. At the same time management means that you trust your employees with responsibilities and allow them to independently choose and implement suitable methods and means of achieving objectives. This factor in particular distinguishes a good and successful manager.
Management style
Recall supervisors under whose supervision you enjoyed working and from whom you learned a lot and got plenty of encouragement. Answer these questions:
- What characteristics did those supervisors have?
- How did they treat you?
- What measures did those supervisors use to gain your trust?
- Why did you respect those supervisors?
- What did you learn from them?
With memory and reflection, you can gain an understanding of what your own management style should look like. You will also discover areas in which you can develop your own personality. Talk to former supervisors to get tips on getting into management and successfully and lastingly motivating your team to achieve their best performance.
