What do you do if you want to transition into management but have misconceptions about the process?

In my view, as soon as a person get's into a Job, he is already a manager, managing his job, deliverables, results, performance etc. The Tag "Manager" comes into play when you are responsible for not only managing your Results but managing results of a combined group of individuals, entities or companies which work with you for a common goal. This often requires you to; 1. Be a Team player; 2. Have high quantity of soft skills; 3. Work with others and be their buddy; 4. Great communication skills; 5. Be available to everyone whenever they need you; 6. Be the Torch bearer. If you think you can do this, you are ready to Transition to be a manager.

Transitioning into management can be a significant career move, and it's natural to have misconceptions about the process. Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor who is already in a management role and seek their guidance. Educate Yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about what it means to be a manager. This could involve reading books, taking courses, attending workshops, or participating in management training programs. Shadow a Manager: If possible, shadow a manager within your organization to observe their day-to-day activities and gain firsthand experience of what the role entails. Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification from managers or HR professionals within your organization.

Transitioning into management may feel daunting, especially with misconceptions like the belief that one must be an expert in their field. However, with the right guidance, this shift can be navigated smoothly. While formal education is valuable, mentorship and online learning platforms are also key resources. These avenues offer opportunities to acquire essential skills and knowledge necessary for leadership roles. It's important to understand that becoming a manager doesn't require expertise; rather, it demands a willingness to learn, adapt, and develop the necessary competencies to excel. With dedication and support, this transition becomes an achievable goal for MBA graduates like myself.

You need to know your field or understand it. You do not need to always be an expert in it. I have seen people driving a team effectively without being an expert in the field. They had one thing in common, i.e. people management and always put their team first.

Transitioning into management often comes with the misconception that being a manager you will enjoy increased control. While you may have authority over certain decisions, the reality is that along wit the authority your decision will also impact a lot of things. Managerial roles require collaboration and consensus-building and aligning team efforts towards shared goals. Rather than exerting control, successful managers empower their team members, developing a culture of trust while guiding them towards collective success. Like the famous line "With great powers come great responsibilities" and that's the key to become a good manager the more power you have the less you use it

It is actually the opposite of it. You need to effectively delegate and trust people while remaining as a guiding force to them. Of course, you will enjoy more power in terms of decision making, however, you will be more responsible for your actions and often your decisions are required to be backed by listening to your colleagues, discussion among your higher-ups, and an analysis based on research. Though you might be thinking that you have taken the decision as a misconception, it is always influenced by many factors. Complete autonomy in the decision will mar the effectiveness and results into failures most of the time.

I would like to share my own example: I am a Mechanical Engineer by education and Manufacturing Automation Specialist by profession. I joined an MBA course at IIM Shillong to switch to Management. I learnt business concepts, processes and leadership skills. Now, I'm all set to join Management consulting which will enhance my scope of work from before but expertise will remain more or less the same.