How to know if you have what it takes to be a manager

Whether you’re a lead account manager or an office manager, management requires a certain skill set and sense of self. If you’ve been thinking about taking on leadership roles or have aspirations about becoming the boss, here are some things to ask yourself before jumping into the talent pool for management consideration.

1. Can you delegate? One of the primary responsibilities of management is overseeing other staff. This means being aware of all of the day-to-day business needs and overseeing them in your employees. It’s important to know how to dole out work and follow up on assignments without micromanaging.
2. How do you deal with unpleasantness and disagreements? Sometimes management comes with having to be a mediator in disputes and being able to handle all issues diplomatically. It can also sometimes mean firing under-performers or not renewing contracts with agencies, which makes certain people feel like they’re failing their teams or letting people down.
3. Are your organized? Even if you’re not a project manager, management needs to know about deadlines, timelines, and all ongoing projects. It’s important to be able to manage the pieces and track the work or your department or team.
4. Are you resilient? Management can sometimes mean longer hours from fielding last-minute requests, attending more meetings, or filling in the gaps on a project if someone is missing or behind on their deadline. Managers need to be flexible, ready for anything, and able to bounce back from surprises.
5. Does your industry have a clear-cut career path to management? Some industries or career paths don’t lend themselves as well to managerial positions as others. Sales, for instance, has more traditionally defined management roles in many organizations, while copywriters might lack a sense of direction towards advancement and responsibility in their roles.
6. Does your organization support its managers? Another thing to consider when trying on the idea of management is how your workplace treats its managers. Do they seem burnt out or refreshed? Do they have opportunities for growth and an ability to give feedback? Are they supported by leadership so they can in turn support their teams?

Even if you don’t feel like your skills are up to par, don’t abandon your management dreams just yet. Once you’ve identified your weaknesses, it’s much easier to turn them into strengths. Take a class online or join a business association to help you gain the experience and skills you need to make it into management.