Perhaps you are wondering if it is possible to become a manager. You might have been offered a promotion but aren’t sure if you should take it. You should remember that just because someone thinks you’re managerial material doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to follow that path. Some people are not destined to be the boss. As long as you don’t base your decision on fear, that’s fine. You shouldn’t be afraid of being in a position to exert power, even if you are qualified and eager for it.

Questions to ask yourself if you are ready for management

These are the questions to ask if you’ve been offered a promotion, or are contemplating whether to apply for one.

  • Are your abilities and willingness to work more hours without overtime compensation? Promotion to a managerial role usually comes with a raise in salary but also a greater time commitment. Additional responsibilities can mean that you arrive earlier to work and stay later. The Federal Labor Standards Act generally exempts mangers from eligibility to overtime pay. This means that extra hours don’t translate into a larger paycheck.
  • Do you have the ability to delegate work? You are not a manager, but someone who has a harder job. You will need to share the work load with your subordinates as a manager. This may require you to let go of the things that you love and instruct others how to do them. Other people’s errors will also be your responsibility. These are the two next points.
  • Are your willing to accept responsibility for both your mistakes and those of your subordinates? He may fail to complete the task or make a error. Everyone is responsible for their actions. However, you as the manager are ultimately responsible.
  • Do you have the ability to give constructive criticism? Your instincts may be to either yell at your employee or not say any words at all when she does poorly. You and your subordinate will not benefit from either approach. As a manager, your job is to coach and encourage your employee so she can do a better job the next time. Explain the problem. Next, you must take a leap and assign another project for someone who failed, but you believe will succeed.
  • Are you able to discipline an employee for wrongdoings? Perhaps a worker is always late or spends too much online. While most people do not enjoy being the bad guy it is a common trait for managers to ensure that everyone is doing their job. Being fair and stern will be appreciated by your staff.
  • Are you willing to defend your subordinates even when they are wrong? A boss might have complaints about someone in your department. You should help your employee improve performance if they are valid. (Remember the question about constructive criticism). You may need to defend your subordinate if the allegations are not true. You may have to defend your boss. Be as calm as possible.
  • Can you fire someone for not performing their job well? It sounds much easier than it actually is. It gets more complicated when you consider the mortgage she must pay and the children she has to feed. It is still a job, so it must be done. Your employer is responsible if you don’t improve someone’s performance.
  • Can you fire someone who hasn’t done any wrong, but must be fired because of downsizing . This part of the job is not something that managers enjoy, but in difficult financial times, many can’t avoid this responsibility. It is difficult to fire someone, but it is more difficult if the termination is not due to their actions.
  • How can you manage your subordinates’ personal feelings? There are people we like, and others who get under our skin for reasons that make no sense to us. Although it’s not usually a problem, when you are responsible for someone’s welfare, it doesn’t matter if you like him or not. As a manager, your goal is to be fair and impartial to all employees regardless of what you think about them.
  • Are you able to say no to your employees? Sometimes, you will have to tell your employees that they can’t go on vacation during peak season. Or refuse to grant raise requests if the company is unable to pay. As the boss, you must act in the best interest of your employer and on behalf of it.