Czaro Strategic Communications

How do you climb the career ladder? I’m a coordinator right now, but I want to be promoted to manager.

I’m asked that question all the time. My response: “Why do you want to be a manager?”

Nine times out of 10 the immediate answer is, “I’ll make more money.”

There’s nothing wrong with being money-motivated. However, I encourage workers looking to move up the ladder to focus on mastering the skills needed to be successful at the next level. It makes the climb faster and more enjoyable.

If you were promoted to manager tomorrow your bank account might be ready, but would you be? Just because your business cards say “manager” doesn’t mean you’ll be a good manager. In fact, if you’re not ready, you might not be a manager for long.

If you’re serious about wanting to advance in your career, follow these four tips and you’ll quickly gain the ability to succeed as a manager.

• Get mentors. Don’t wait – do it this week. You need mentors inside and outside your company who are already managers (or directors or vice presidents). They can help provide you with a different perspective and you can ask questions that you might be too embarrassed to ask your boss. You’ll learn a lot from good mentors, traits that will help you when you begin to manage people and projects.
• Lead people and projects. Managers and directors have to manage and direct someone or something. It’s the biggest responsibility when you move up a rung or two. If you don’t think you have the opportunity – think again. If there’s a team project, volunteer to lead it. It can be something small like a meeting or something larger like a project or initiative. Let your boss know in advance that you’re looking to prove yourself and you just might get the chance to show your abilities. You can also look outside to volunteer opportunities in the community when a hierarchical chart really doesn’t come into play.
• Think big and broad. Effective managers are good at seeing what’s needed today and anticipating what will be needed tomorrow and next week. It’s OK to live in the moment, but understand that the moment is as close to yesterday as you can get. Keep one eye on the horizon and you’ll learn to anticipate what might or could happen.
• Think, act and be strategic. Whatever the project – big or small – successful managers approach things strategically. The same rules apply if it’s a personnel or personal matter. There are four steps: Research (what do you know and what can you learn), Analysis (goals and objectives), Communications (strategies, tactics, timeline and budget) and Evaluation (were goals met).

You can work evenings and weekends, schmooze the boss or rely on luck. Or you can grow your skills and abilities, which will increase your talent-level, drive and motivation.

Do you want to roll the dice or make a sound investment? What other tips do you have?