Thinking of Becoming a Manager?

Why are you taking on the job of a manager orapplying for management jobs but haven't actually
planning to apply for management roles?applied for or landed one yet, it may be a good
Because you feel you're:idea to ask your own current managers if you
- Ready for more varied responsibilitycan have a trial opportunity to manage an
- Interested in leading othersupcoming project or take on the development of
- Interested in training othersa new employee. This option would give you
- You enjoy helping other people to succeedexperience of the manager's role for a short and
Those are pretty sound reasons for aspiring to alimited time and in a protected situation.
management job But if your reasons are any ofYou (and your bosses) may also feel comfortable
the following, they're not good reasons:with a short term arrangement because there's
- Your boss said you should be a manageran end point. You (and your bosses) aren't making
- You're really good at your own job but youa huge (maybe risky) commitment. If you find
won't get any more money no matter how goodyou don't like it or it's not what you thought it
you arewould be or you like it but you feel you'd be best
- To make your family proud of youto wait a while, that's ok, that's good. You've
- To buy a cargiven it a shot and you've gained information. If
- For a feeling of poweryou loved it and your managers liked the job you
How can you possibly know if you'll enjoy being adid then you may be offered a management job
manager or if you'll be any good at it? How aboutwith your current company or you're now
taking a test drive? If you're thinking aboutconfident about applying elsewhere.