5 Ways To Position Yourself Into A Management Role
As womxn in the workforce, we typically have to prove ourselves long before we are “recognized for our true potential.” So even if you feel ready for a management role now, don’t just wait for the title change. Start being that leader today.
Position yourself to lead before being a (formal) leader. And in doing so, you’ll be priming yourself and showing your company, not only that you’re ready, but that you’ve been doing this. Here are five ways to prime yourself for a manager role.
- Play To Your Strengths
People who use their strengths are 6x more likely to stay engaged. This means a better job experience for you, and better results for your organization. When it comes to getting honest with ourselves and identifying our strengths, it may seem daunting. Here are some ideas:
Survey your friends! Ask them, “when did you see me at my best or happiest?”
Keep a brag folder. Consolidate your ‘wins’ and trend your feedback.
‘Audit’ your job description. Dig out your original job description, then list everything you do now… and compare.
Fill your knowledge gaps. Survey your board of directors. Know your boss’s priorities & pitch stretch projects.
2. Talk To Your Boss
Signal to leadership that you are ready to move up! Although it may seem obvious, we can’t expect leadership to know what we are thinking — so get clear about it. Make sure that you are on the same page about your current performance and in a place to progress internally. In that conversation, ask what you should be doing now in your current role to prepare for your future one.
But don’t just talk the talk — continue to show it in your actions. Adopt a strategic mindset (what are pain points & priorities) and plan for your succession (job aids, up skill employees, etc.) Onboard & coach new hires or mentor junior staff members. Train new team members by holding an in-service, lunch & learn, or book club. Fill interim roles as they come along to cement yourself as a leader relatively quickly. Work directly with the role you want to be in!
3. Know Your Business
Treat the business like your business. Not only will this show initiative but it also helps you to feel engaged and committed. Ask yourself what are the key performance indicators, metrics, and numbers that matter the most? What does success look like and how would you quantify it?
How do you know what the KPIs are in your area? Peruse your company’s strategy plan/annual report, ask your boss, or lean into your mentors and sponsors. Align your work and stretch projects to influence these key metrics.
4. Play Well With Others
Ever heard, “people will remember not what you said but how you made them feel?” This will be extremely important as you’re trying to transition into leadership. Be aware of the “relationship shift”. Have positive touchpoints with everyone! Maintain professional boundaries while transitioning from peer into leader (aka don’t vent to them, don’t vent about them). And, continue to support your current team. Establish yourself as a star and go all in.
5. Develop Your Network
“Mentors give perspective. Sponsors give opportunity.”
Create the community you need! Write down everything you are struggling with and then ask yourself, “who can help me with this?” Build a mentorship portfolio. Reframe the concept of networking to include relationship building with mentors, sponsors, and allies. The best way to attract mentors and sponsors is to do good work.
Get clear on the difference:
Sponsors — Champions you internally. Puts their name on the line. Pushes you through the pipeline. Find who you want as a sponsor by seeing who they sponsor and what circle you want to join.
Mentors — Coaches on one specific thing or many things (skills/career). Find who you want as a mentor by asking, who can help ID blind spots? What do you want to be known for?
Allies — Easier way to cultivate a network. “Work friends”. Look for ‘portal people’ who will connect you to mentors or sponsors.
“People who know you will let you do something you have never done before. People who don’t, won’t.”
Talk to your boss and share your goals. Work ahead of yourself. Go where there is room to grow. Manage up, level up, and move up. We know you can.
You can watch the full webinar recording here.
This post is adapted from our webinar with Anisa Khleel, career coach and community builder.
