How to Become a Manager

Guide on How to Become a Manager

Becoming a manager is a natural progression in many professional careers, but it’s not always as simple as just applying for the job. Transitioning from a team member to a manager involves a mix of skill development, self-reflection, and strategic career moves. It’s a shift that requires you to adapt not only to a new set of responsibilities but also to a new mindset. While you’re learning how to become a manager, you’re also stepping into a role that demands leadership, decision-making, emotional intelligence, and the ability to balance both personal and team success.

A manager’s role is multifaceted: it’s about overseeing day-to-day operations, guiding your team through challenges, and contributing to the larger goals of the organization. As a manager, you’ll be the bridge between upper management and your team, ensuring that everyone is aligned and working toward the same objectives. You’ll also be responsible for making key decisions, providing direction, and helping individuals on your team grow in their own careers.

This guide will walk you through the process of becoming a manager, providing insight into the skills and qualities you need to develop, how to identify the right opportunities, and the practical steps you can take to prepare for the role. 

Are You Qualified to Be a Manager?

Before you make the leap into a managerial role, it’s important to assess whether you’re ready. Becoming a manager is about taking on a new level of responsibility and facing challenges that require a mix of technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills. 

Here are a few questions to consider as you evaluate your qualifications:

Do You Have the Necessary Technical Skills?

As a manager, you may not be directly involved in the day-to-day tasks of your team, but you should still have a strong understanding of the work they do. If you lack certain technical skills, consider taking the time to upskill or collaborate with others who can teach you. Being technically proficient helps you gain the respect of your team, and it also ensures you can make informed decisions when it comes to problem-solving or allocating resources.

Do You Have Leadership Skills?

As a manager, you must inspire your team, provide guidance, and encourage productivity. Managerial skills include the ability to communicate clearly, motivate others, and make decisions under pressure. Assess your ability to lead by reflecting on how you’ve influenced others in the past and whether you have the emotional intelligence to manage a diverse group of individuals with different personalities and work styles.

Do You Have Experience Managing a Team?

If you haven’t already managed a team, this could be the missing piece of the puzzle. However, prior experience doesn’t always mean formal management. Leading projects, coordinating team efforts, or stepping in to take charge in a group situation can count as valuable experience. Think about situations where you have led or taken ownership of responsibilities —those are the moments that demonstrate your managerial potential.

Do You Have Mentoring Capabilities?

A good manager also develops their team. If you have experience mentoring or guiding others, whether that’s through formal training or just helping a colleague learn the ropes, you’re on the right track. Mentoring requires patience, empathy, and the ability to give constructive feedback, all essential qualities for a manager.

Are You Ready for More Responsibilities?

Managers are tasked with overseeing projects, teams, and outcomes, which means more responsibility and sometimes more stress. This is not a role to take lightly. Consider whether you’re ready for the added pressure of ensuring that your team performs well and that goals are met. Do you have the organizational skills, time management abilities, and resilience to manage the workload that comes with a managerial position?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, you may already be on the right path to becoming a manager. Here are ways you can increase your chances of landing a managerial role.

Can You Handle the Emotional Demands of Leadership?


Management involves handling people’s emotions, motivations, and personalities. As a manager, you’ll encounter situations where you need to handle interpersonal issues, mediate conflicts, and offer emotional support to your team members. You need to be able to stay calm under pressure, be empathetic when issues arise, and have the emotional resilience to support others. Assess your ability to deal with stress, handle difficult conversations, and remain patient and composed when things don’t go as planned. If you’re comfortable navigating these emotional demands, you’re better prepared to take on a leadership role.

Are You Comfortable with Delegation and Trusting Others?

One of the biggest challenges for new managers is letting go of the need to control everything and learning to delegate effectively. As a manager, your role is to guide the team and ensure the work gets done, but you can’t (and shouldn’t) do it all yourself. Are you comfortable trusting others to take ownership of tasks? Can you delegate without micromanaging? Being able to let go of some of the day-to-day responsibilities and empowering your team to take charge is an essential part of being an effective manager. If you find it difficult to delegate or are overly concerned about letting others take the lead, this may be an area to work on before stepping into a managerial position.

How to Get a Managerial Position

Now that you’ve assessed your readiness to become a manager, it’s time to strategize your approach to landing that position. 

  1. Look for Internal Managerial Positions

One of the most effective ways to become a manager is to pursue an internal promotion. Many companies prefer to promote from within, as you’re already familiar with the company culture, values, and internal processes. Keep an eye on any open managerial roles within your company and express interest when the opportunity arises. Let your current manager or HR department know that you’re interested in advancing your career to a management level.

  1. Ask for the Managerial Position

Sometimes, you have to take the initiative and ask for the position you want. If you feel ready and believe that a managerial role would be the next logical step in your career, speak up. Approach your supervisor, HR representative, or the hiring manager directly and express your interest in a management role. Be prepared to explain why you’re qualified and how your skills align with the position. It can be uncomfortable, but asking for the job can show your ambition and willingness to take on new challenges.

  1. Prepare a List of Examples of Your Leadership Qualities

When applying for a managerial position, you need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. This is where your previous experiences come in handy. Prepare a list of examples that showcase your ability to lead, whether it’s through managing a project, mentoring a colleague, or taking on a leadership role in a volunteer or extracurricular activity. Highlight instances where you solved problems, motivated others, or successfully coordinated efforts. Be ready to share these examples in interviews or performance reviews.

  1. Highlight Professional Accomplishments

When transitioning to a managerial role, your past professional accomplishments become even more significant. Managers are responsible for driving results, so your track record of success is key to proving you’re ready for the responsibility. Focus on tangible achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver results– hitting sales targets, increasing efficiency, or improving team dynamics. The more concrete examples you can provide, the better.

  1. Emphasize How You Can Contribute More by Being a Manager

Managers are expected to add value not only to their teams but also to the company as a whole. When discussing your interest in becoming a manager, frame your request in terms of how you can contribute more. Explain how you can help the team achieve its goals, improve processes, or boost morale by assuming a leadership role. This shows that you’re not just interested in the title but in actively improving the business. Align your vision with the company’s goals and demonstrate how your managerial skills can help drive success.

  1. Build strong relationships with key decision-makers

In many organizations, managerial positions are not just filled based on experience or qualifications but also on relationships and trust. Building strong connections with key decision-makers, including your current manager, HR personnel, or other executives, can make a big difference when opportunities arise. Show initiative by volunteering for high-profile projects or taking part in cross-departmental collaborations. This helps increase your visibility and positions you as a potential leader within the organization.

  1. Seek feedback and continuous improvement

To increase your chances of landing a managerial role, actively seek feedback from your current supervisor, colleagues, or mentors. Ask about areas where you can improve and what additional skills would be valuable for a management position. Continuous self-improvement demonstrates your willingness to learn and grow, two qualities of a manager. Show that you’re proactive about addressing areas of growth and actively working to enhance your capabilities, making you a more competitive candidate when the right role opens up.

Learning how to become a manager requires a combination of skill, experience, and strategic career planning. It’s important to assess your readiness, develop the necessary leadership and mentoring skills, and understand the additional responsibilities that come with the role. Once you’re prepared, start positioning yourself for a managerial role by looking for internal opportunities, gathering proof of your leadership abilities, and showing how you can contribute at a higher level.

Remember, no one becomes a great manager overnight. It’s a journey that involves continuous learning, growth, and self-reflection. By staying proactive, improving your skills, and aligning your goals with the needs of the business, you can take that next step in your career and become the manager you aspire to be.

Silver Lining Marketing offers nonprofit organizations and charitable institutions leadership training and management development programs that are designed to help them lead and steer their companies in the right direction. We offer courses on resource management, fundraising, project management, and on other relevant skills necessary for success. Contact us today to discuss training and development programs for your organization. 

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