Submitted by pomofo on
in
Forums
Hello there!
Firstly, I want to say a HUGE thank you to the Manager Tools/Career Tools team for continuing to put out such excellent and insightful work. I can honestly say that since listening to, and apply key MT principles and advice, my career has skyrocketed. I owe a lot of my recent success to you. Thanks.
I would like to ask if you can please give me some guidance on making the transition from peer to boss within an organization?
My boss has recently resigned and it is likely that I will be thrust into this role for an extended period of time and potentially even assigned the role in the future. Work is being done in the background to create a new position one level above my current level and one level under his. I am currently a Marketing Manager at a large FMCG and he is the General Manager of Marketing. My new role would be that of a Group Marketing Manager with additional responsibility as "acting or deputy" GM reporting directly to the CEO. In this role I would move from being a peer to other Marketing Managers to their boss with no support of a GM to assist with this transition. I have about a month to work with him before he leaves, then its just me. Yikes!!!
I realize that these types of transitions can be huge opportunities but also there are huge risks if I get it wrong; potentially career ending risks. I am committed to getting it right and am seeking guidance to assist me with making this transition successfully. I have been reading Michael Watkins "First 90 Days" and am preparing a plan based on the guidance and themes within the book as they relate to my situation. Is this a book that you are familiar with and do you think it has value? So far its working for me, but I am sure there are other excellent sources out there.
I really appreciate any recommendations you might have to assist me in making a successful transition and capitalizing on this excellent opportunity.
Thanks in advance.
Kind Regards - Michael