Professor Neville Lee Associate Head & Director of Self Financed MSc Program Department of Industrial Engineering & Engineering Management Hong Kong University of Science & Technology

Rising to the top is the dream and aspiration of many managers. And, even if you are quite content to stay at your present level for the time being, it is still important to have an overall understanding of what it takes to reach the top.

Understanding the role and needs of each step on the management ladder will make you more aware of how to interact with people at different management levels at your company, and how to secure and play your own role.

Doing a good job is important. But doing a good job in your present position alone may not necessarily get you to a higher position or help you to do a good job in your next position, as each level has different challenges and requires different skills.

Entry level or line management

The job is most likely to be very specific and well defined. At this level, besides communication skills, a good manager should have a superior technical understanding of the task and be equipped with the basic management tools such as planning and control of projects and operations. He or she should be very focused, somewhat like a heat-seeking missile, which locks onto and hits the target effectively and efficiently.

Middle management

Instead of focusing mainly on the execution, at this level one has to work with upper management in shaping program directions and decisions. Conceptual skills in addition to technical and communication skills are important. Management skills and competence have to be broadened.

Top management

At top management level, you will be constantly looking out for business opportunities and ways to improve the company's overall performance and competitiveness. Broad understanding and good conceptual skills to develop corporate direction and position, together with communication skills, are vital.

What can one do to move up the management ladder, apart from doing a good job and gaining recognition?

1. Develop a career plan

A common mistake managers make is that they don't change their game plan or their mode of operation at different management levels in order to move further up. For example, at the beginning of the first stage, line managers should focus sharply on their jobs so that they can excel. But once they have consolidated their positions, they need to invest some of their energy to broaden their perspective and management skills (one way is to do different types of management assignments.) They should also spend more time on networking and looking for a better strategic position to launch their efforts for a job on the next level.

2. Increase your exposure

Without increasing your exposure and visibility, it is hard for people to have confidence in you.

3. Networking

High-level positions are usually filled through promotions from the upper management or through referrals. It is difficult to see people moving up the ladder without proper connections. That is why you have to network or even better, work for the right people, who can refer or promote you to a higher position.

4. Management training

Good management training can help one's career development in different ways. It gives the necessary credentials for advancement. It provides entry-level management the essential know-how needed to handle projects and run an operation. It helps middle- and upper-level management to see how the company may improve costs, quality and lead-time. It also provides opportunities for networking among fellow students and alumni.

Taken from Career Times 2002/05/17