Comments on: So You Want To Be In Management

By: How to prepare for an interview | The Wisdom Journal

How to prepare for an interview | The Wisdom Journal — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:20:37 +0000

[...] you have done your research and are able to answer this question with authority and show a deeper understanding of the company’s goals, marketing strategies, and history, you could hit the ball out of the park. Your best research [...]

By: Festive Link Love Carnivality #6 | Free From Broke

Festive Link Love Carnivality #6 | Free From Broke — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:06:33 +0000

[...] So You Want To Be In Management by Wisdom Journal. Being in management is great if you’re willing to handle all of the headaches it brings too (I am and I do). [...]

By: Ron

Ron — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 22:49:11 +0000

Thanks Bziomek,
Wow! You sound like the voice of experience!
How many times have I had to implement stupid decisions, knowing they were stupid, yet being forced because “it’s my job.” I’ve even used statistical data to back up my position, but when a CEO gets something in his head (and he’s the CEO of a “macho” style organization), you just have to make sure you “don’t confuse him with the facts.”

By: Bziomek

Bziomek — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:46:07 +0000

You forgot something like “don’t blame me for things done by higher-ups, remember I have a boss too.” In my experience being disliked by employees for decisions that were out of your hands seems is [one of] the bane of middle management.

By: JLP’s Roundup (April 26, 2008) | AllFinancialMatters

JLP’s Roundup (April 26, 2008) | AllFinancialMatters — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 16:09:25 +0000

[...] Last but not least, Ron has some thoughts for those of you who desire to go into management. [...]

By: Mark - Productivity501

Mark - Productivity501 — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 02:02:31 +0000

The idea of your career being dependent on someone else’s performance is an interesting perspective. Of course that is exactly what managers are paid for — getting work done through other people.

I’m enjoying working with no subordinates in my own company. It is low stress and I spend a lot less time worrying what someone else might do or not do. However, my management experience was a very valuable training experience.

By: FFB

FFB — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:32:39 +0000

Being in management can be a headache, especially when you are new at it. My first group was full of people who would rather not have me there in charge of them. Of course their performance was really my performance for my higher ups. Very stressful.

Any team needs to work together. I like that you mention fessing up to mistakes quickly. I can handle when someone screws up. If I know about it quickly I can be pro-active about it and get it corrected (or make it not look as bad). If I find out later and only get half stories then it’s worse because a) I’m now behind the 8-ball in getting it corrected and b) my trust in you has been lowered. We all make stupid mistakes now and then and if you’re up front with me and you do good work I’ll go to bat for you.

By: Frugal Dad

Frugal Dad — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:05:04 +0000

When I was much younger, and just starting out my career I desperately wanted to be a manager. The idea of leading people appealed to me, and I thought I knew more than others on how to motivate, etc. A few early experiences soured me, though. Now I am content working with no subordinates for more money, and much less heartburn! That’s not to say I wouldn’t consider an opportunity to lead people, but it is an exhausting proposition to lead people who have zero intrinsic motivation themselves.