Moving up from middle to upper management is even more challenging compared to being picked from the rank-and-file to be promoted as a supervisor. While you may enjoy a bigger paycheck and other bonuses, those perks come with a bigger responsibility.
You have to really change your whole mindset and even unlearn previous habits because what may have worked before won’t necessarily work in your current situation. At the very least, you need to have extensive experience in project management, the delegation of responsibilities, communication skills, and strategic thinking.
How Do You Get from Middle to Upper Management?
The upper management is considered an ultra-exclusive club. Only the very few are invited. This also means that competition can be fierce. But there are ways on how your boss will include you in the shortlist of candidates for the executive position.
- Build up your network – No man is an island, especially when you are talking about office politics. You need to find allies who can help get you to where you want to go.
- Executive presence — This is about impression more than anything else. It’s how you want others to perceive you in the way you dress, talk, behave, communicate, and listen. This takes a lot of balancing act because you may alienate others if you come off as a fake.
- Accept more responsibilities – The only way for your bosses to know that you can be trusted is to make sure you can deliver. Taking in more responsibilities outside of your own job description is one way to do this. Besides, the adjustment period will be shorter when you do move up another rung in the corporate ladder.
Things to Consider When Moving Up
When you move up to the upper management, you need to apply these things to guarantee success
- Changing your mindset – Your role has now changed from being a tactician to being a strategist. You may also have to change your lifestyle.
- Taking in more responsibilities – This may take away time from your family. Make sure that your family is on board before you even consider accepting the promotion.
- Friendships may be sacrificed – When you are already in upper management, your former friends at the workplace may look at you differently. You can expect fewer invitations when everybody hangs out. Check this link right here now.
- Cutting previous habits – From middle management where you are expected to do something about the problem, you have moved up from strategizing. Being a “thinker” from a “doer” can be a difficult transition for some.
Conclusion
Clearly, you have to sacrifice a lot when you move from middle management to upper management. There’s a reason why they are paid handsomely because it’s not a lifestyle for everybody. The upper management is really where competence and incompetence will be highlighted. Those who are not really qualified for the job are going to be exposed. But with the right attitude, you don’t have to be afraid when the opportunity of promotion comes knocking on your door.
