Most of you know I went to a small engineering school for my undergraduate degree. The goal of Brooklyn Poly was to graduate the best practical engineers anyone could find- anywhere. And, by and large, they did that job superbly. (Of course, some of those who didn’t finish the programs may not feel this to be the case, but, then again, they didn’t finish…)
What Poly didn’t do was train us to be great- or even good- managers. That kind of thing was thought to be our job- to acquire those skills, after we finished at Poly. And, I can vouch for the fact that many of those folks never did acquire the requisite skills- but neither did the graduates from many other institutions. Which may explain the plethora of abysmal bosses out there.
Why does this happen? Because accepting a management position guaranteed the employee better salaries, more power, and more prestige. Many of those offered the position believed they could “grow” into the position- or take some courses at night or weekends to develop themselves into a manager. But, earning an MBA does not immediately confer one the mindset necessary to be a good manager, either.
No, it’s important to consider all the ramifications, when one is offered the position. It’s even more important to work on those skills you will need- before you ever are offered the opportunity, too!
You have to like dealing with people. For example, you could be the world’s best engineer- but if you don’t like talking with people, helping them succeed… management is not for you. And, those engineering rules- they are specific…the rules of management- not so.
Managing and leading a group of folks means you need to worry about training your staff to do…- and probably means you need to do just a little less, leaving them room to shine, too. It means you need to supervise them, to advise them so they can accomplish the requisite tasks and achieve the desired milestones. You need to know how to budget- time, money, and staff- and monitor the results to insure the plan comes to fruition.
You probably should find out what the person you will be replacing did- or did not do- before you grab for that brass ring. Speaking with your future boss would also help- to insure you and s/he have the necessary chemistry. You also should find out what mentoring will or will not be available to you, to help insure your success; what training may be provided.
It’s not the power, prestige, and pay that should entice you, but the ability to succeed and thrive. And, if you don’t think it’s for you- find out if there is a technical or professional track that can afford you advancement, without serving as a manager of others. Your employer deserves that much- and so do the employees!
Though neither have MBA’s I have two “geeky type” individuals in my family. I don’t believe this personality makes for good managers. Their thought processes are not like the average joe, ie: me. They are incapable of bringing concepts down for the average person can understand what they are saying and there is no learning from them because they would rather do the action then talk someone through it.
shawn recently posted..NAMS – Training for Small Business Owners
That’s exactly the folks that need that technical track! We noticed that in our firm and set up just such a track, so they could effect the research at which they excelled- and share that effort with those of the same ilk.
Thanks for making my example “human”, Shawn!
I think anyone can learn the skills needed to become a good leader. The problem is most people aren’t able to admit they have something to learn.
Bonnie Copeland recently posted..Is Your Relationship Being Run by A 5 Year Old?
Bonnie-
I think it’s the other way around. Folks can learn the skills needed to become a good manager. Becoming a good leader takes skills- but also takes a few other things- an inner drive, a desire to achieve something, and a mission. But, you are right- those that think they have nothing to learn typically have way too much to learn!
I had a management position with no training and learned very quickly that I was not cut out for the job. I survived and did a reasonable job, but decided that it was not for me. I guess sometimes you don’t know if you are good at something until you are thrown into the fire!
Suerae Stein recently posted..Fab Foto Friday: The Beagle Bootie Battles
I am always amazed that companies don’t provide the training to help their people succeed- since it means better success for their own endeavors. Glad you found out what floats your boat, Suerae!
I have been in management and served with managers that shouldn’t lead a pack of hamsters through a hallway. Management can make or break a company, and I honestly don’t know why people are so slap-dash about hiring people and not training them. I think it goes back to things you’ve written about in the past about what a good leader really is…It’s information few people.
lisa brandel recently posted..Ethical Kitty See’s Your Dilemma by Lisa Brandel
There is a difference between a manager and a leader, Lisa. But, we don’t let people drive cars without instruction, we don’t let folks operate heavy machinery without preparation- but we expect folks to be able to manage de novo… Makes one wonder…