Coach’s Corner: How to Get a Job as a Manager

Executive and Federal Coach, Bob Oberleitner, explains practices that bolster one’s chances when trying to become a manager.

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Studies have shown the main reason people leave their jobs is because of their manager. This manifests in many ways such as through exhibiting lack of trust, poor communication, or micromanagement. If you want to be a manager, below are five steps that will help you get there.

1. Clear Motivation

The desire for a raise or change of pace alone are not reasons to seek a job in management. An effective manager has a desire to understand and interact with people to help them, and thus the team, be successful.

2. Skilled at Current Job

A surefire way to get noticed is to be good at your current job. It is presumed that you’ll be a positive example and have good techniques to pass along. Show that you are ready for higher-level responsibility.

3. Opportunities to Lead

Offering to help train co-workers relieves some of your supervisor’s load and provides a way to demonstrate your abilities and hone your communication skills. Volunteering for projects in your organization is another way to assume responsibilities that enable a larger cross-section of management to see you in action. Detail assignments provide experience in other organizational departments and the opportunity to gain new skills.

4. Big Picture

Know the organizational goals and important initiatives. Being a manager requires you to think one level up vs. merely what is sitting on your desk.  Recognize that there are generally multiple ways to approach a problem. The fact that others do things differently from you does not make it wrong.

5. Prepare

• Let your supervisor know of your interest in being promoted. A good supervisor will want to help you advance.
• When you get an interview – prepare. Think of questions that could be asked and how you would handle challenging scenarios present in your workplace. Preparation will avoid that “deer in the headlights” look during your interview.

Being an effective supervisor requires knowing yourself and the curiosity to know more about others. With the knowledge of why most people leave their jobs, you can position yourself to be an effective supervisor who retains employees in their charge.

The “Coach’s Corner” Articles are written by Robert Oberleitner, executive coach. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Robert Oberleitner.

How to Get a Job as a Manager in the Federal Government