The goal of many office workers is to make it to the halls of management. But is this really the end to all their troubles?
As a new manager you can be justifiably thrilled at your promotion. However, for the unwary your challenge is just about to start. You will have to contend with your staff, company politics, envy, feelings of isolation and pressure from above, below and often from home.
Your technical skills and expertise may have got you the job, but they won't keep you in it. You might even wish you had never taken the management step. Sure, the money is nice, but you can be made to pay for it.
Managing people is tough. You will seldom get a "thank you" for being fair and reasonable and at least one person will feel your job should have been theirs. Don't expect to start with a clean slate either; your welcome mat will include your predecessor's perceived sins.
If you expect management colleagues to be on your side, you will be disappointed. They have one eye to the rung above and can be ruthless in ensuring that their foot reaches it first. Company politics is both a sea of opportunity and ruin, so learn to navigate the waters quickly.
It is said to be lonely at the top. Well, it is not exactly friendly on the way up. Advice is seldom given without self-interest. Yes, management is a tough business, yet flourishing is relatively easy if you know how.
Is flourishing as a manager a matter of training or innate talent? What tips would you give to new managers?