How Do I Promote into Management?

I would like to develop some of my employees into managers. Do you have any advice on how to do that?

People can do what you ask them to do. One simple way to develop management in a growing organization is to make your highest-potential employees the managers. Don't be afraid to give them the opportunity to move up. You'll be surprised at how they respond.

However, transitioning people into management roles can be one of the trickiest parts of running a growing organization. The more support you can offer, the better. Sending them to traditional management training classes can help, although this option can be expensive. You can also buy new managers a selection of management books and look into computer- and Internet-based management-training courses.

Remember, too, that many employees will need to adjust to being responsible for others' work and results. It's also not easy for some to cease being "one of the guys." You should talk to any prospect about those requirements.

Whenever possible, make experienced managers available to help rookies transition into these new roles. And finally, be aware that many employees -- often including technical specialists -- are more comfortable as individual contributors than they are as managers. Try to give these people a way to grow and prosper without forcing them into management roles they don't really want.

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