Show willing and you’ll get to the top
HOW do you make it into management? Joining a management scheme is a good first step.
Lizzy Scholey, 35, says: ‘I joined the Enterprise Rent-A-Car management training programme, which taught me everything about running a rental car branch, including managing a team, sales, handling vehicle repairs and the finance.’
‘After 11 months, I was made assistant manager, then branch manager after 18 months. I didn’t shy away from challenging branches. I worked to show senior management I was the person to go into any branch and make it work.
Lizzy, now an area manager for Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire, managing several branches, adds: ‘The business supported me with training and development, but you can’t sit back — you must work to develop your management skills.’
Recent research by Penna Talent Practice found that 77 per cent of businesses do little or nothing to recognise potential in their organisation, so if you want to be a manager, be proactive.
Penny de Valk, managing director of Penna Talent Practice, advises: ‘Let your seniors know you want to get on. Tell them where you’d like to be in one, three and five years. Show them you have goals and take any opportunity to get there.
‘Take on responsibilities and show you can be trusted. Whether managing people, taking something off your boss’s to-do list or tackling a project no one wants, show willing and highlight your capabilities.’
You can also put yourself forward for projects that stretch your skills and show you are keen to learn. Take internal training schemes and, if necessary, pay for relevant external courses.
Request or find a mentor who can help guide you through your learning and development.