Today’s work life is full of ever-evolving challenges and pitfalls. When is it okay to date a coworker? Can you tell your team to return to the office five days a week? Whether you’re a bewildered Boomer, a confused millennial or a confused Gen Z-er, our brilliant columnist Nicola Horlick is here to help.
My company wants me to be the leader of a small team. I really want to progress, but there isn’t much extra money and no one has talked about training. I’m nervous because the goals are demanding and a couple of people before me haven’t done as well in the position.
The team is made up of very different personalities (and skills), so it will be complicated. Furthermore, there are demanding managers above me.
I want to move forward, but I don’t want to crash and burn. If I turn down the job, it would look bad and it would be a missed opportunity. How can I get the promise of a better salary increase in the future? Should I apply to them for a place on a short course or other management training?
Yours, Petra.
Nicola replies: It’s normal to feel nervous about a new role, especially if it involves managing other people.
From what you’ve said, it sounds like your company is a bit disorganized. You are right to think that the additional responsibility should include a pay increase and, if you haven’t managed people before, you should be offered training and potentially a mentor or coach. You should ask your boss if you can have a chat, and then tell him or her that you want to take the position, but that you think you should get a raise and some help to make sure you can do the best job possible for the company.
You shouldn’t worry about crashing and burning. Everyone questions their own ability when they start moving up the ladder, and you’ll only know if you’re good at managing a team if you really try. If you receive more money and the right support, you will have every incentive to succeed. You’ll certainly feel more than a touch of “imposter syndrome” when you start the role, but your confidence will grow and before you know it, you’ll be lying there feeling like you’ve made the right move.
When I was 30, I was asked to run a major fund management company. I had the same questions as you, and after agreeing everything with my boss, I was worried about whether I would be able to do the job or not.
There were some on the team who would have loved to see me fail, but others were very supportive. I made it clear that we were one team, that there would be no politics and that our goal should be to beat our competitors.
As the business had previously failed, there was a deep desire within the team to turn things around. I wanted them to feel proud when they told people where they worked.
After a relatively short time, the business began to turn around and gained incredible momentum. As I gained confidence in myself, the team gained confidence and it became an amazing place to work for all of us.
So, make the effort and talk to your boss about the terms on which you are willing to step forward. I have no doubt that you and your team will be successful if you give them a clear vision.