Are you management material?

Over the years, I have seen employees come and go, many disappointed their perceived shine wasn’t appreciated with a big promotion.  Usually, their lack of advancement has nothing to do with the opportunity or even their competence, it has to do with their attitude.  

In the form and function of the great Jeff Foxworthy:

1. If you have ever said the words, “Because we have always done it this way.” –  you are probably not management material.
2. If you have ever uttered the words, “That’s not my job.” –  you are probably not management material.
3. If you have never seen 5:01 PM in the office - you are probably not management material.
4. If you think “good enough” is - you are probably not management material.
5. If you are waiting for someone to give you permission to be awesome – you are probably not management material.
6. If you horde information and don’t train your replacement – you are probably not management material.
7. If you can’t take criticism – you are probably not management material.
8. If you think of the executive team as “them” – you are probably not management material.
9. If you think risk is the “company’s problem” - you are probably not management material.
10. If you are not truly grateful for your clients and the revenue they provide - you are probably not management material. You just don't get it.

If you have the ambition to grow within an organization, then perform some critical self-assessment. How do you view yourself, the company and your clients? It's an old cliche' - if you are not actively a part of the solution, you may be passively part of the problem.