You think you are ready to be a manager or enter the management side of the profession. Yet there are a few stops left to get there. Some of us really have that impatience with the organizational setbacks holding back on our growth. And they can’t be blamed because they are the sum total of employees and their growth - the average of that of teams. Yet self-growth is equally important, irrespective of other factors.
But, before jumping to calculations and conclusions, here’s a quick guide to check if you really are ready to be the right fit for managerial profiles.
The simple methods of introspection go as follows:
- Current Position: Your current position will define how much boost you need and also if you are even ready for the boost. It is best to consult colleagues, especially the Team Leader, Reporting Manager, and HR on the matter. They can give you valuable insights, although what you need answering is “In my current state, which position do you think I can stand on and what better can you gamble me with?” basically, where you are, can be, and how far is what you need to know. Also, if possible, get to know what is holding you back as well.
- Potential Check: With the third party reviews already defining the potential they see, you need to check a few things too. If you were put at max two positions behind your desired starting point, then do your research. Know the position, work, responsibility, and if you have a clear understanding and ability to take them and all those below it. Also, how much of it has been undertaken by you already. Get some experience, if not directly.
- Responsibility: This is the point where managers are separated from the others. Can you be fast, practical, and efficient all at the same time? Can you take the risk on your job over your team and develop them for it too? Can you be honest and progressive with work and team and selectively diplomatic as well? There is a load of such qualities that a good manager requires, do you have it in you?
The last part is probably the most important. And if you confirm yourself to all of them, then you may want to consider Lean Six Sigma certification which can greatly increase your chances to reach where you wish to be. Lean Six Sigma course is quite extensive and is segmented into 5 skill levels. Based on your evaluation you may want to opt for one of these:
- White Belt: Individuals are taught team level problem-solving support but aren't a major part of the Six Sigma project team. This can help you get to the level of Sub-team Leader to Team Leader, basically the Entry Level Managerial profiles in an organization.
- Yellow Belt: They are typically taught to be project members who assist with process improvements and provide project support. Campaign Managers, Assistant Project Managers, Assistant Operations Managers and similar profiles fall around this category, Intermediate Managerial Profiles.
- Green Belt: Instructed to help collect information/data and provide any analysis that might be necessary. They also help to provide leadership for Green Belt project teams. Profiles falling in this category are named similar to former but belonging to Mid-Senior Managerial Profile.
- Black Belt: Individuals that have this certification level are charged with leading projects that solve high-level problems and also provide coaching to team members. Project Managers, Operations Manager, and all the way to Director level; Senior Managerial Profiles basically.
There is also a Masters Black Belt Course which is a big leap for those looking for teaching opportunities in Six Sigma itself. It is best to go for a minimum of Green Belt levels since it aids in the long-term progress and future-ready profiling. Black belt, while points to Senior levels, it is still very difficult to enter without either experience or (proven) exceptional skills, although this may just be the break you need. Once complete, the certification opens prospects in-house and outside of current employer as well, which is the next leap one needs to take to eventually make the most of it.
While Six Sigma Certification will certainly add value to the profile, the progress, the leap itself is dependent on your projection, readiness, and will to prove your worth for the profile you are going for. However, if you are considering higher studies in management, consider Project Management Certification as well along with Six Sigma. Once in management, it becomes easier to choose the right path for further specialization than going in without experiences. A well-planned career path and prioritized goals are imperative, if not mandatory, to have a great career ahead.
