How to Become a Manager

Explore this Article

methods

1Showing Your Skills

2Talking with Superiors

3Interacting Positively with Coworkers

Other Sections

Expert Q&A

Related Articles

References

If you're trying to be promoted from your current role to a managerial position, there are lots of ways to show your supervisors that you're right for the job. It's important to stay on top of your current workload, as well as try to go above and beyond what's required of you. Practice communicating efficiently with your coworkers and take on more leadership roles whenever possible. By showing your superiors your great work ethic, they're much more likely to consider you for the role of manager.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Showing Your Skills

1. 
   1
   Stay organized and on top of your workload. While it's important to think about and plan for the future, your current work comes first. Put the majority of your energy into doing a great job in your current role—if you start slacking in the job you have now, your superiors aren't going to think you're ready for the role of manager.

   • Use a calendar to keep track of important meetings, events, and other dates.
   • If you have an office, try to keep your workspace tidy to show that you're organized.
2. 
   2
   Be a problem-solver. A manager has to solve problems, whether it's a problem with a product, a problem with a customer, or even problems between coworkers. If there's an issue that hasn't been responded to, try to be the person who fixes it. Give insight into how to find solutions to issues the company may be dealing with, showing your critical thinking skills.

   • For example, if the company is having trouble coming up with funds, you might help think of creative ways to earn money.
   Advertisement
3. 
   3
   Go above and beyond what's expected of you. Instead of just doing the bare minimum, try to go the extra step and really give 110% to your job. This could include staying late to help a coworker or doing a helpful task that's not required of you. Try to be proactive and avoid waiting around to be told what to do.
4. 
   4
   Volunteer for leadership roles whenever they arise. These could be leadership roles such as planning an upcoming business trip, leading a presentation, or taking charge of a new project. If you see an opportunity to show your leadership skills, try to seize it and do your best work.

   • These don't need to be large leadership roles—even things like taking charge of closing for the day or being the person who motivates the team is a step in the right direction.
   Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Talking with Superiors

1. 
   1
   Show what you've contributed to the job. This is your time to talk about what you've been working on, what you've contributed to the team, and any major projects or decisions in which you've been in charge. Meet with a supervisor to talk about all that you've given to the job, providing examples and numbers when necessary.

   • Before meeting, make a list of all you've accomplished within your job title, putting an emphasis on special projects or other tasks that were your responsibility.
   • Try keeping a log of all of your accomplishments as they happen so that you won't forget any of them.
2. 
   2
   Talk to people in managerial positions to see which skills you need. Send a professional email to your current manager asking if they can sit down with you for a few minutes to talk about their job. During the meeting, ask them what skills they think are most important for the job and any advice they have for reaching the status of manager. This will give you an idea of what to work on or which areas in which you already excel.

   • When talking with a superior, try to write down the important skills so that you can refer to the list later if desired.
3. 
   3
   Ask for feedback about your current job performance. Not only does this show that you're taking your job seriously and want to improve, but you'll be able to take the feedback and make any necessary changes. Ask your supervisor for tips on how you could improve, or for any other professional feedback they have to offer.

   • Try to schedule a sit-down meeting for this—it doesn't need to be super formal, but it's best not to ask them in passing so that they have time to think and answer.
4. 
   4
   Tell the right people that you're interested in a managerial role. If no one knows that you're interested in becoming a manager, they may not think of you for the role. Let influential people know that you're interested, whether it's a Human Resources employee, your superior, or the head of the company.

   • For example, you might tell a superior, "I've heard you're hoping to promote someone to manager soon, and I'd love to be considered for the job."
   Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Interacting Positively with Coworkers

1. 
   1
   Communicate strongly and effectively with your team. Show that you're an excellent communicator, responding to all of your emails and phone calls within 24 hours and taking the time to listen to people who come to talk to you. Try to keep your coworkers and boss up-to-date on any important information so that everyone is on the same page.

   • For example, try to return all of your phone calls within a few hours.
   • Let your coworkers and superiors know what you're working on, keeping them up-to-date on any problems or successes.
   • Communicating effectively also means being open to other people's ideas and suggestions.
2. 
   2
   Maintain a positive relationship with your colleagues. This doesn't mean that everyone in the office or place of work needs to love you, but you do want your coworkers to respect you. Create a relationship with your coworkers built on honesty, professionalism, and respect to show that you work well with others.

   • Speak to your coworkers politely and be respectful of other people's space and time.
   • Show that you care about your coworkers as people by asking them questions about their hobbies or family.
3. 
   3
   Become a mentor around the office. Try to become that person that people go to when they have questions. A great way to do this is to volunteer to train new employees. You'll guide them through the ins and outs of the job, and you'll be the person they go to when they need help or advice.

   • If you're not able to train new employees, you can become a mentor to others just by being helpful to your coworkers.
   • Let a supervisor know that you're interested in training new employees.
   Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

• Question

  How long does it take to become a manager?

  

  Harish Chandran, PhD
  Machine Learning Engineer & PhD in Computer Science, Duke University

  Harish Chandran is the Engineering Site Lead and Senior Staff Research Engineer at DeepMind, where he leads the engineering efforts to integrate AI research results into Google products. Harish received his PhD in Computer Science from Duke University in 2012. While in graduate school, he worked as a Teaching Assistant, helping undergraduate students learn about algorithms and data structures. He has experience in DNA self-assembly, evolutionary algorithms, computational neuroscience, complexity theory, computer architecture, and super-computing.

  

  Harish Chandran, PhD

  Machine Learning Engineer & PhD in Computer Science, Duke University

  Expert Answer

  It depends on the field you're in and how much experience you have. Just focus on doing the best work possible and building up the people around you. Let your boss know you're interested in moving up in the future and be patient.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn

  YesNo

  Not Helpful 0Helpful 0
• Question

  How can I do a better job training employees to stick around?

  

  Harish Chandran, PhD
  Machine Learning Engineer & PhD in Computer Science, Duke University

  Harish Chandran is the Engineering Site Lead and Senior Staff Research Engineer at DeepMind, where he leads the engineering efforts to integrate AI research results into Google products. Harish received his PhD in Computer Science from Duke University in 2012. While in graduate school, he worked as a Teaching Assistant, helping undergraduate students learn about algorithms and data structures. He has experience in DNA self-assembly, evolutionary algorithms, computational neuroscience, complexity theory, computer architecture, and super-computing.

  

  Harish Chandran, PhD

  Machine Learning Engineer & PhD in Computer Science, Duke University

  Expert Answer

  Before people leave, survey them to get a sense for why they're leaving. Ask about their onboarding experience as well. It's possible that people are joining your team and the expectations aren't clear or the direction just isn't there. Once you figure out why the employees are leaving, you can start working to solve the problem.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn

  YesNo

  Not Helpful 0Helpful 0

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement