Have you ever felt like you’ve been passed over for a promotion because you aren’t seen as “management material”? Are you tired of getting your hopes up, applying for intriguing management positions, only to be disappointed in the end? Are you starting to think that maybe you don’t have what it takes, and perhaps it’s time to give up on your career goals?

These thoughts can be quite depressing and a real kick to your confidence. No-one wants to feel as though they are settling in their job and that their true goals and passions can never be realised. Where’s the joy and motivation in that?

Rather than accept that you are not management material, why not take the bull by the horns and take active steps to change your career trajectory.

In this article, we will take a look at a number of ways you can boost your skills and knowledge so you stop getting passed over for a management position.

Understand the Requirements of the Job

Just because you think you’d make a great manager it doesn’t automatically make that true. Sometimes that overconfidence may be sinking your chances. It can be a real eye-opening experience to step back, take a look at what is required of a manager, and use a critical eye. What skills, education, experience, and talents are the company looking for?

Now be honest with yourself, do you check all the boxes? Are there some areas where you may be lacking or not exactly confident in? Potential employers will notice these gaps in your resume, and if you make the cut and are called in for an interview, there is no hiding those areas you don’t have experience in.

Rather than let your short-comings get you down, let it act as a motivator. Now you can pinpoint the areas you need to focus on and improve upon.

Enroll in Management Training Courses

While hands-on experience will certainly get you far in your career, sometimes it’s just not enough and you need more formal training and development courses to really provide you with the necessary foundations. If that’s the case it can be wise to look into management training courses that you can take. You can even speak to your employer about your desire to boost your skills and training, as they may be interested in assisting with the cost of such courses.

The BCF Group is a company that specialises in just such courses, offering online training that highlights key areas such as interpersonal skills training, business coaching, staff training, health and safety training, and of course an array of management training options. The idea behind these courses is that they not only refresh what you have already learned through experience and previous training, but the courses take those skills and knowledge to the next level so you can move up the career ladder. If you’re interested in investing in these and therefore in your future, you can visit www.thebcfgroup.co.uk.

Speak to Your Current Employer About Your Goals

It’s also a good idea to take the time and speak to your current employer about your goals. You never want to assume they know your thoughts, and that your boss understands you want to work your way up. Not everyone wants to be in a management position, plenty of people are happy exactly where they are.

By speaking to your employer about your career goals, you make it known what you are working towards, and they can give you feedback on any areas where you can improve, get more experience, and broaden your knowledge. They may also be willing to give you more responsibility and opportunities so you can start to prove yourself.

Be Prepared to Put in the Extra Work

If you have any hopes of getting considered for a management position, you also need to be willing to put in the extra work. This means you need to be that “yes person”, who is willing to take on extra tasks and really fill their plate. Just make sure that you don’t become so overloaded that you start making mistakes, overlooking details, and missing deadlines. This will give you the exact opposite of your desired effect.

Find Ways to Make Yourself Indispensable

Another tip is to look for ways you can stand out in the workplace and make yourself indispensable. You never want to be the employee that gets let go because you aren't adding value to the team. Find something that you, and you alone are able to offer and really work to excel in that area. You want your employer to feel as though it would be a huge mistake to risk letting you go or have you leaving to get a better job.

Start Taking the Initiative

This tip ties in with making yourself indispensable, as it’s one of the ways you can achieve that goal. Taking the initiative is something that many supervisors and management are looking for. They are searching for that next person to step into a more senior role and not only take control, but truly help the business to thrive.

Taking the initiative means you are the one who is willing to head up projects, offer up ideas and thoughts, and aren’t afraid to put yourself out there. You don’t hide in the shadows and hope you aren’t noticed or called upon.

At the same time, you want to be sure you're always a team player and work well with other co-workers. Sometimes you can get so caught up in your own goals and successes that you end up stepping on others' toes. You don’t want to get that reputation; instead, you want the reputation of being a great team player and someone who can be counted upon.

That Management Promotion Will Be Within Reach

By taking all of these tips, advice, and steps you’ll be making sure that the management position you crave so much will be within your reach. Just remember, it takes time to work your way up the ladder. The key is to stay consistent with your efforts, keep a positive attitude, and believe in yourself.