Reaching management is a significant milestone for those who desire to pursue that career path. It isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great challenge and very rewarding. One of the most common questions I received when conducting review and check-in was, “What do I need to do to become a manager?”  Here are five practical tips to help you get that management role.

Be a TEAM player!

First and most importantly, you want to be a team member who your supervisor and other leaders know and respect as a team player and high performer.  Without these traits, it will be difficult for a leader to consider you even if you have expressed your desire and are skilled at your job.  If you are unsure what your supervisor is looking for in a team player, ask.  Ask them what you can work on and how to stand above the rest.

INFORM your supervisor!

All too frequently, the first time a leader learns that an individual desires a management role is when they apply for an opening.  In many cases, this is too late.  In many cases, the hiring manager already has a short list of candidates in mind, reducing the chance of getting a real shot at the position.  Be sure that your manager and possibly higher-level supervisors know that you desire to become a manager.  I believe this is best done in a check-in meeting that is not an annual review.  Discussing it in an annual review is fine, but it is better for this desire to be already known.  Once your manager knows, they can work on managing and communicating opportunities for you.

Do MORE!

Employees who make comments such as “that’s not my job” or “that’s not in my job description” may have a hard time getting a look at the next management position opportunity. One of the easiest ways to be recognized for a future promotion is to put in the extra effort, including taking on tasks and duties that are part of a role that you want to have.  If you have already demonstrated the desire and ability to do the work of the role that you desire, your chance of being ‘the choice’ or on the shortlist is much higher.

Get TRAINED!

Management training can be a great way to express your commitment to moving into management and can give you the needed skills.  For me and many others, moving into management is a significant shift in mindset and duties, and some don’t succeed at the transition.  Taking advantage of internal organizational training and/or courses offered by a university, Dale Carnegie, or other training organizations will give you an advantage.

Be the CHOICE! 

By being proactive with the above suggestions, opportunities will open for you, and your chance of being ‘the choice’ even before the role is posted will be much higher. If it doesn’t appear that attrition or a new role will become available, it may be time to look outside of your current employee for a management role. Otherwise, stay the course, keep communication with leadership open, and that opportunity will come.