So, you have put in hours and hours of hard work and your employer has finally asked you to take a step up to first line management. Firstly, well done and you should be very proud of yourself. Should you be nervous? No, you should not be nervous, but it’s quite natural to feel this way.
Moving into your first management position can be quite exciting but also extremely nerve racking, and you should do so with your eyes wide open. Be prepared for the huge changes that will come, you will now be directly responsible for both staff and equipment within your remit, and for quality, productivity and output of your area of responsibility.
You are now responsible for your team’s welfare at work, and under Health & Safety legislation you are now legally accountable with judicial implications should you manage irresponsibility. Be prepared to work longer hours, but probably the most difficult element is the change in people’s attitude towards you. Those that have been friends for many years may start to drift away as they believe you have moved to the dark side.
Be sure you fully understand the job you have been offered in every aspect, the role, responsibility, job spec, working hours & remuneration. You may need to re-evaluate your current skill set and learn new skills to enable you to execute your new position effectively & efficiently. The above should not cause you concern, it’s the price of progress and you should grasp all opportunities in life with both hands. Listen to your inner voice and it will tell you if this promotion is right for you. Be nervous, it’s natural, but don’t let fear hold you back, fear of failure, fear of change, fear of people’s attitude toward you. If you feel this promotion is right for you, you feel you can do it and it’s a step in the right direction for your career then go for it, make it happen and as Les Brown said, “turn a deaf ear to fear”.