Changing job positions within the organization or from one company to another comes with a hoard of both benefits and challenges. The impact of the change might differ considerably depending on the level of seniority of the position that one holds. For example, a manager has many roles under their tag, to means that a shift in department or organization would have a greater impact.
If a manager is moving to a new department, it will also be required of them to take up greater responsibility to ensure successful continuity of the functions in the given environment. Since change is inevitable and shifting employment positions and places come often, it is imperative to understand what opportunities and challenges you might encounter in the process. Besides, it is also crucial to know what to do to be well prepared for the change.
Shifting managerial position within the organization
This career shift of a manager happens when they move from one department to another within the same organization. For example, a marketing manager can shift roles and take up the position of head of logistics in the same company. This might feel like a radical change as the two roles might be remotely related. So, how does one go about the change?
It is crucial to assess one’s qualifications and competencies against the demands of the new office. Being the manager means that there are a host of other employees under your managerial line. Hence, the change is not only about you but also other employees with whom you will work. Being in the same organization means there is hardly much to confront as far as the organizational culture is concerned.
However, it is important to ensure that you engage with the outgoing manager from the same office to get a feeling of what it is to work with the team. This will give you a heads up of what you should expect, and should help you chart a career path that will ensure continuity. The main idea is to be abreast with the culture of that particular department and figure out how to successfully adapt.
Moving up the career ladder to a managerial role
The change in career position from a regular employee to a new managerial position within the same organization comes with desirable perks. Essentially, your salary will be increased, your allowances will balloon, other perks and advantages such as a flexible working schedule will also be assured. Hence, it is a change that to most are quite welcome, even desirable.
Like any other promotion, rising to the role of a manager will also demand a new set of skills and improved knowledge. These come in handy as you will be required to advance the objectives of the organization, but now with the added responsibility of dealing with, attending to, and working with employees under you. While this may be a new undertaking, it can be easy to fit in the huge career shoes and be impactful.
What can you do? Oftentimes, it is highly recommended to learn from those who came ahead of you. This means creating time to interact with your predecessor in the managerial position to tap into their well of experience and also receive focussed guidance to help you settle as soon as you practically can into your new role. Learning from them will help you transition to the new career position easier and more clearer. Also, make sure to get a few days in the new office while your predecessor is around to allow you time to meet the team of employees who will be handed over to you.
Changing organization as a manager in similar departments
When transitioning from one organization to another in the same capacity, you will be confronted with the challenge and the necessity to ensure the stability of the organization. For example, if you are a human resource manager, you will be required to hire, create an environment that supports the employees in your new organization and make changes necessary for the organization. The great responsibility is to ensure that everyone feels comfortable under you as they would be under any other human resource manager who would be hired in the organization.
Understanding the culture of the new organization is a crucial step towards successfully settling into the new environment. This means that you need to be aware of the communication style used among the employees, the leadership style that has proven successful, and the expectations from the company and the employees who will be under you. Even though you might choose to introduce new changes to suit your mode of operation, learning a gradual introduction of the new style or ideas will be essential in ensuring both you and your new team get along together with ease.
Earning a managerial role in a new company
Oftentimes, people get the opportunities to rise to managerial positions in new companies from a regular position in a different organization. Truthfully, this feels like a completely new experience, as it is. The demand is to undertake the responsibility of your new role, and also settle successfully into the new company culture and steer it onwards as soon as possible and with few to no hitches.
The new position will demand that you be on your toes towards understanding how to tie the ropes. This may require you to plan and take management lessons or masterclasses to equip you with the requisite knowledge and skills. Similarly, networks are critical at this level of seniority. Joining a community of other managers who have been in the industry for long and who understand their way around will only help you to settle fast.
In conclusion
Being a manager means that other people look up to you for the success of the organization. It also means that you have the responsibility to ensure continuity of company culture and realization of the set objectives. When shifting jobs within the same organization or managerial level will require you to confront certain challenges and embrace the opportunities that come with such career developments.