before the title

You're not a manager yet. Here's how you get there.

The rest of this site is for after you get the job. This part is for before, the case you build, the habits you start, and the conversations that turn "I want to be a manager" into "here's why I'm ready."

ARTICLE 1Read →

Break the catch-22

Start the job before you have the title

How to Get Promoted to Manager When You've Never Managed Anyone

You can't get management experience without a management job, and you can't get the job without the experience. Here's the way out.

ARTICLE 2Read →

Practice the work before you own the title

Start With Small Leadership Opportunities

You don't need a company-wide initiative. Coordinating one small project with real people is enough to start building evidence.

ARTICLE 3Read →

Let go, on purpose

Practice giving work away, not just doing it

Learn to Delegate Before You Have Direct Reports

Doing it yourself is faster, right up until it isn't. Delegation is a skill you can practice long before anyone reports to you.

ARTICLE 4Read →

Build the network

Before you need a favor, not after

Build Relationships Across the Organization

Managers succeed through people, not just technical ability. Start building the relationships that make collaboration easy now.

ARTICLE 5Read →

Own the outcome

Authority without accountability isn't management

Become Comfortable With Accountability

You can't want the authority without the responsibility. Practice explaining what went wrong, including your part in it, now.

ARTICLE 6Read →

Ask differently

A question your boss can actually answer

Ask for Responsibility, Not Just a Promotion

"When will I be promoted" is hard to answer. "What responsibility could I take on" isn't. Ask the second one.

ARTICLE 7Read →

Be useful, not loud

Contribution-based visibility beats attention

Do Not Confuse Visibility With Value

Speaking in every meeting isn't leadership. Making your work useful to other people is what actually builds a case for promotion.

ARTICLE 8Read →

Find out where you actually stand

Prepare for the Conversation About Readiness

Eventually you have to ask your boss directly whether they see you as a future manager. Here's how to have that conversation well.