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Many middle managers don’t realize that they are actually sabotaging their chances at that must-have promotion. Sure they think they have the career goals of a manager all sorted out, but this is not the case. Let’s take a look at how this might occur.

You are good at your job, very good in fact. You have been looking after your area for several years and you have surpassed key requirements each quarter. You may even have had a promotion already, and in your mind you are thinking how great it will be when you finally get promoted to that senior position.

The truth is you are doing your job far too well. You are excelling at it to the point that you have reached the pinnacle where you are now. You’ve gone as far as you can go, and your boss has no desire to promote you out of your department. And, do you know why? You’re too good at your job.

Now, don’t get me wrong. You are a star because you have all the skills needed to do your job very well. In fact, you might be doing it too well. If your career goals of a manager include stepping up to a more senior, and better paid position then you need to be doing these four basic things.

1. Increase Your Skill Level to Match the Position You Desire

You have great skills for the position you are in now, but the big question is, are these the same or the right skills needed for that position you want? I doubt that they are. In fact, I’d be surprised if you didn’t need to learn a whole new set of skills. 

Do some research and work out what skills you need to fulfil the position you want. Do you need to do some extra courses at night? Are there some key competencies that can be learned?

This might take a bit of extra time, but the results will speak for themselves.

2. Learn the Numbers

Learn what your company’s bottom line is. Don’t assume that you know, but actively find out and become knowledgeable in all areas, not just your own.

Share this knowledge at meetings and around the water cooler. This will show your seniors that you have the best interest of the company at heart. It will demonstrate that you are actively engaging in the company’s future too.

3. Learn All Aspects of Your Company’s Operations

You may have worked for your company for some time, but that doesn’t mean you understand every aspect of how the company runs. Do you know where stock is sourced? How the company was founded, and by whom? Do you understand the time and motion studies needed to keep your company competitive?

By knowing and understanding all aspects of the way your company is run you will have a much clearer picture. This will demonstrate to your boss that you are ready and prepared for that senior position.

4. Learn How to Train and Get the Best Out of Others

No company can operate without a cohesive and committed team. Each person in that team has a special role to play. They need to feel valuable and appreciated, and they also need to know how to do their job well.

If you can demonstrate to your seniors that you are willing to pass on your skills to others you are adding value to the company. 

Also, if you show that you can manage others really well, and get the very best out of them, your leadership capabilities will shine.

Now, that you are committed to these four essential skills how are you going to make sure others know it too? Well, you don’t have to say anything, you just have to do it. We’ve all heard of the saying “actions speak louder than words” right? Well, if you follow these four points your actions will shout out loud how committed and ready you are for that senior position.

And always remember: 

Great managers are made. Not born.

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