What do you do if you want to transition into People Management?

1 Assess your motivation

Before you embark on your journey to becoming a people manager, you need to ask yourself why you want to do it. Is it because you enjoy coaching and mentoring others, or because you want to have more impact and visibility in your organization? Is it because you are passionate about the mission and vision of your team, or because you want to earn more money and prestige? There is no right or wrong answer, but being honest with yourself will help you align your goals and expectations with the reality of the role. People management is not just about having authority and power, but also about being accountable and responsible for the performance and well-being of your team.

2 Learn from others

One of the best ways to prepare for people management is to learn from those who have done it before. Seek out mentors, coaches, or role models who can offer you advice, feedback, and support. You can also network with other aspiring or current managers, and exchange insights and best practices. You can find these people within your own organization, or through online communities, events, or courses. Ask them about their challenges, successes, and failures, and how they handle different situations. Observe how they communicate, delegate, motivate, and resolve conflicts. Try to emulate their positive behaviors and avoid their mistakes.

3 Develop your skills

People management requires a different set of skills than individual contribution. You need to be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with different audiences and stakeholders. You need to be able to delegate tasks and projects, and empower your team members to make decisions and take ownership. You need to be able to motivate and inspire your team, and provide them with clear direction and feedback. You need to be able to resolve conflicts, handle difficult conversations, and manage performance issues. You need to be able to think strategically, plan ahead, and align your actions with the goals and vision of your organization. These skills can be learned and improved through training, practice, and reflection.

4 Showcase your potential

To transition into people management, you need to demonstrate that you have the potential and the readiness to take on the role. You can do this by taking on more leadership responsibilities in your current position, such as leading a project, mentoring a colleague, or facilitating a meeting. You can also volunteer for cross-functional or cross-departmental initiatives, where you can collaborate with other managers and show your value and contribution. You can also express your interest and ambition to your manager, and ask for their support and guidance. You can also update your resume and portfolio, and highlight your achievements and skills that are relevant to people management.

5 Seek opportunities

Finally, you need to look for opportunities to transition into people management, either within your organization or outside of it. You can apply for internal promotions or transfers, and showcase your skills and potential in the interview process. You can also explore external options, and network with recruiters, hiring managers, or former colleagues who can refer you to suitable positions. You can also create your own opportunities, by starting your own project, business, or organization, and building your own team. Whatever path you choose, you need to be proactive, persistent, and confident in your abilities and goals.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?