Promotion Management Corporate Ladder
The first secret to successfully breaking into management is to understand that managerial appointments aren't given away via lottery - they're awarded for MERIT! Far too many people fall prey to the notion that once they've been on the job for x number of years, their supervisor will send their name and recommendation up the ladder until a promotion is handed back down. While this concept was realistic in the pre-Information Age era, it's little more than a fantasy today. Top positions aren't reserved for employees with seniority, they're designated for dynamic, high-impact professionals that can make their businesses profitable and productive.
Once you "get" that management positions are earned, not given the next order of business is to figure out what skills and abilities your company expects out of their management team and then start strengthening and developing them in your own personal and professional life. While there are a number of general skills that are prized in managerial candidates, don't forget to survey members of your own company to find out what achievements and accomplishments will help get you noticed and recommended for promotion. The more customized your approach is, the higher your likelihood of successfully "breaking in".
Until you're able to unearth the customized "wish list" of your organization's big decision makers, here are a few tried and true tactics that have helped countless employees climb the corporate ladder in a host of organizations world-wide:
- Strong, demonstrated leadership skills
- The ability to motivate others to take action and make progress
- A track record of meeting or beating deadlines
- Proven goal-setting skills (and the ability to meet those goals)
- Creativity and innovation - a history of thinking outside of the box
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Loyalty and dedication
- A commitment to excellence and achievement
- A positive, up-beat attitude and outlook on life
- A reputation for being a mediator and strong conflict resolution skills
- An ability to see the big picture AND the little picture as well
- Clear written and vocal communication
- Respect for authority
- A firm, no-nonsense approach with subordinates
The title of manager isn't something you can win, it's only something you can work toward - diligently and with dignity. Don't sit around waiting for someone or something else to make it happen, get out there and take control of your career today!
