Tip #430: How To Get A Management Job in 2013

Acquiring a management position or being promoted to a new one may seem like a difficult task. Despite this difficulty, it is not impossible to acquire one. To help you take the next career step, we have listed below five tips that can help you or someone you know.

5 Tips To Help You Get A Job In Management:

Tip #1: Excel In Your Present Position - If you are satisfied with your current place of employment, consider going for a promotion. The best way to do this is to excel at your job. While top performance is important, you don't have to be the best - top performers are not always the best leaders. Instead, strive to manage your own work properly and become a team player. Think of it as taking leadership of your own job.

Tip #2: Observe Good Leaders - If you have a favorite or an effective manager you respect, observe their habits and ask yourself this: How have they nurtured their employees' careers? Additionally, you can supplement these observations with hands-on leadership training.

Tip #3: Become A Better Communicator - Good communication is about more than simple politeness. Managing others involves a thought process: you need to anticipate how people will interpret or react to issues that come up. Additionally, use your words and actions to communicate respect for others and encourage the same in turn. Establishing this rapport (even with difficult coworkers) will allow you to more easily work with them. If you aren't liked or can't get along with others, it's not likely you'll receive a promotion or new career opportunity.

Tip #4: Start Taking The Initiative - Starting with your current job duties, take the initiative on getting things done as great managers are proactive. When it comes time for a review or a chat with your manager, you need to ask them what steps you need to take if you are interested in obtaining a management position. Be prepared for your manager to delegate a small "test" task to you immediately. Additionally, watch for job postings at your company and keep tabs on who is talking about leaving the company. This way, you can position yourself to seize upcoming opportunities.

Tip #5: Ask Thoughtful Questions - Asking questions is a great way to get people thinking about what you'd like them to do. If you bring up the right questions in team meetings, your manager may notice that you are serious about improving processes and taking initiative.

Consider asking the following questions:

• "How can we manage costs better?"
• "How can we accomplish this task more efficiently?"
• "How can we better meet our clients' needs?"

When you ask these questions, it's best to have your own answers prepared. Presenting a solution with a problem always reinforces initiative.

Executive Summary: If you're ready to take the next step in becoming a manager, take ownership of your current position, observe effective leaders and demonstrate initiative. However, we also recommend talking with your manager about upcoming management opportunities.
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