So You Wanna Be a Manager…

Photo by Matteo Vistocco on Unsplash

If we want people to fully show up, to bring their whole selves including their unarmored, whole hearts — so that we can innovate, solve problems, and serve people — we have to be vigilant about creating a culture in which people feel safe, seen, heard, and respected. — Brene Brown

When someone tells me they are interested in becoming a manager, I am simultaneously excited and skeptical. I want to make sure they really understand their motives and what they’re getting into. Once I know they’re not just in it for the title, I work with them to assess their current strengths, growth opportunities, and management maturity. Some of the things I look for:

• How self-aware are they? Do they see themselves accurately?
• How well do they handle conflict?
• Are they able to work with others?
• Can they delegate and teach?
• Do they have realistic expectations of what it means to manage?

Management and leadership is a never-ending adventure that requires ongoing work to do well. Everyone has room to grow. I just want to understand our starting point. Depending on where that is…