The First Step to Get Promoted to Manager
It's easier than you think.
I've been promoted to manager three times in my career.
I did ONE thing each time that helped me get the promotion.
It's simple and requires no preparation.
It's the first step on the path to becoming a manager.
The step?
Tell your manager your goals
If your manager doesn't know what you want to achieve, how will they help you get there?
They won't (unless they are a REALLY good manager). Sure, your manager will give you feedback on your day-to-day work and conduct your yearly performance evaluations. But these things don't necessarily support your goal to become a manager.
What you focus on to get promoted to manager is different from what's on your job description or the feedback you get in your yearly performance review.
The way to know how to get promoted is to ask your boss how to get promoted.
Then start doing those things.
How I used this strategy to get promoted
It's not the only thing that help me get promoted, but it was a critical step.
Here's what happened each time I was promoted to manager:
The first time
I was a business analyst and moved to managing a team of customer service reps at a call center.
I had no management experience.
Within my company there was an open manager spot that was targeting new managers. I reached out and called the hiring manager, the director of that department.
I told him I would love to get the position, wanted to learn, and was willing to jump in with both feet.
He liked my tenacity and told me I was the only person that reached out personally.
I got the job.
The second time
I was hired as the first data analyst at a new company and we started hiring more analysts for the team.
I was involved in the hiring process and knew a few more hires were coming down the pike.
I was an individual contributor again but had an itch to get back to management.
Plus, I knew this team would need a manager soon.
Early in my tenure, I let my boss know (a director) that I wanted to be manager of the team.
She didn't make promises but I made my intentions known.
Two years later we had 6 analysts, all reporting to my boss.
We needed a manager.
I got promoted.
The third time
At a new company, I joined an existing data team with an existing manager.
Over time, the entire data team left the company, except me.
We started rebuilding the team but I was unsure if I want to manage people again.
My boss knew I had management experience, so he asked me if I wanted to lead the team in the future.
At first I was unsure, but later told him that I would be willing to lead a team if it was the best thing for the company.
He knew I was willing to take the spot.
Next performance evaluation came around.
I was promoted to manager again.
The situation was different each time I was promoted.
But one thing was the same.
I let people know I wanted to be a manager and lead.
Want to go from IC to Manager?
Tell people, today.
If you need someone else to tell about your management aspirations or need help getting there, reach out to me at anthony@anthonysoltero.com to see how I can help.