Shopping For Your Next Manager

Early in my career, taking a job only meant assessing the role and salary. As I matured, I learned that what you do is just as important as who you do it for. As the saying goes in some management circles, "People quit managers not companies", so if you are on the hunt for a new opportunity, why not shop for your new manager too? Managers are not shoes, you don't have the convenience of trying them on and putting them back on the shelf. What you can do, however, is be strategic in your effort to identify what type of manager will be the perfect fit for you.

If this concept has caught your attention, then it will be important for you to understand your leadership style and what styles you work with best before making a decision. Choosing your preferred management style will not only allow for a productive working relationship, but also one that will provide you with the support you need to progress in your career goals. You may be a person who can work with anyone, even so, you still have a preferable style that complements who you are. 

Consciously choosing who you work for is generally not something that people proactively make a choice about. It's the invisible obvious, and yes let's face it, a lot of times we don't have the luxury of making that decision above being employed. However, when you do have the ability to pick and choose your next employer, You should consider creating a plan to incorporate this strategy before securing a new position Take a moment and ponder this: What type of manager would you hire?

If you have been in the workforce long enough to have had several managers, think about the style you were most engaged by. List the qualities as a guide and develop interview questions to draw out your potential manager's style. If not, ask a colleague or mentor to help you to sort this out. Remember, interviews are a bi-directional process, just as companies are interviewing you to see if you are a fit, you should do likewise, including your next manager.