According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of a manager is “someone who is in charge of a business, department, etc.” Eventually becoming a manager is a goal of entry-level employees everywhere. It’s never too late to start preparing for this position, or to start showing your boss that you’re ready to handle this increased responsibility. Here are seven signs that you will be a great manager someday.
- You step in when needed.
There’s no project too big or too small for you. If a colleague needs your help, it doesn’t matter if they’re your superior or an intern; you’re there to help. Do 3,000 copies need to be made in the next hour? You’re there adding paper to the machine to ensure that printing runs smoothly.
- You communicate with others.
You try and keep your colleagues in the loop as to what projects you’re working on, and you genuinely want to know about what projects they’re working on as well. You understand that miscommunication can lead to office conflict, and you try and limit this as much as possible. Additionally, you offer feedback and constructive criticism as requested or needed.
- You’re empathetic.
There are more important things in this world than work, and you understand this. Family emergencies come up, difficult times arise, and sometimes work needs to wait. A 2007 study focused on empathy in the workplace and found that empathy contributes to effective leadership. “Empathetic leaders are assets to organizations, in part, because they are able to effectively build and maintain relationships – a critical part of leading organizations anywhere in the world.”
- You want to learn and improve.
A great manager, and a great employee in general, knows that there’s always room for improvement, and that there’s always something to be learned. Nobody’s perfect, and you’re no exception. Read books or blogs about others in your field, attend workshops and seminars, and of course ask for feedback. Stay learning.
- You hold yourself accountable.
Your employees have rules and regulations they need to follow, and you do as well. You’re not an exception to the rules; you’re an example for other workers. Don’t take advantage of any increased power you may have.
- You react properly.
Not everything goes according to plan all the time, and you understand this. Your constructive responses in these situations not only help rectify the issue, but also comfort those around you. People are not afraid to come to you with problems, issues, or concerns. They know you’ll always have advice on how to proceed, or reassurance to help them complete the job.
- You exude confidence.
People can smell your confidence from your desk; it’s contagious. You know others in the office look up to you, and you want to give them something worth looking up to. People know they can come to you for honest, helpful feedback that’ll make them just as confident as you are.
Is there a manager in your office whom you look up to? Think about what makes him or her a great boss, and mimic them. Do they always ask you how you are? Start asking you colleagues the same question. Do they always keep you in the loop about projects they’re working on? Do the same to your colleagues. Think about how your manager makes you feel like a valued employee, and keep that in mind.