Seven things to know before you take on a role in management

If you’re thinking of moving up the career ladder, congratulations. This is a big step (but it’s also an exciting one).

Management comes with a host of new responsibilities, often increasing a person’s sense of purpose (not to mention their salary). If the process seems daunting, fear not. We caught up with Marie Hunt (previous IMAGE Management Professional of the Year), for tips on how to be a great manager.

Marie is the executive director and head of research and consultancy at CBRE Ireland, a global real estate firm dating back to 1906. She says there are seven things every woman should know before venturing into management.

Marie Hunt, CBRE Ireland, via Twitter

1. “You will have to work harder than the men on the team to prove yourself.  Unfortunate, but it’s a fact of life and if you just accept it, it will stand to you.”

2. “Continuous learning is critical. You should keep upskilling all the time.”

3. “Time management is a skill that becomes even more important when you move to a management position in an organisation.”

4. “Always make time to share your expertise, and listen and learn from others in the organisation. Once you move to a management position, you sometimes forget that the younger people in the office are taking their guidance and cues from you, so you have to lead by example.”

5. “Be organised. Return calls and emails in a timely manner, and spend time every Friday to plan the week ahead as best you can.”

Never compromise your reputation

Marie goes on to say there are particular characteristics that make a good manager. “No matter what task you undertake,” she says, “give it 110%. I believe that if you work hard, the results will follow. Treat others as you would like to be treated, as the people you meet on the way up are the very same people you will meet on your way down.”

Most importantly, she advises you to never compromise your reputation. “It takes 20 years to build and five minutes to ruin.”

Duly noted.

The ‘work/life balance’

“I’m not the best advertisement for work/life balance, I’m afraid,” says Marie. “I work long hours and juggle lots of extracurricular activities, including my work with the To Children With Love charity. I think my best bit of advice is to have something for yourself, and make some time in the week for yourself.

“For some people, this might involve going to a spa or going for a walk. For me, I love gardening and find that it very therapeutic and allows me some mind space.”

Expert advice now on-board, we at IMAGE HQ wish you the very best of luck in the next stage of your career.

Photography by Pexels. This article was first published in September 2019.