Should I take this new position?

[eclecticone]

I've been watching this board for quite some time now, but never really posted anything. But...I have sort of a career decision to make and could use the opinion of some other professionals.



I'm an administrative assistant with a global consulting firm. Excellent company, fulfilling, challenging job, great group of consultants to work for, the whole nine. Been with the company exactly 10 months to the day. My manager/practice/office manager, who was once an admin herself, is resigning. For personal reasons, nothing to do with the job or the company. Which leaves her position open. She has placed before me the opportunity to take on her role, or at least to put my name in the running. She is really a great manager, has always been very supportive and gives real-time feedback. I'm definitely going to miss her!



That aside, she REALLY wants me to try for this job. She has expressed that she thinks I'll have no problem doing the job and that I'll thrive in the position.



Here's my dilemma...I've never acted in a managerial role before. Never acted as an office manager. She also supports the regional practice leader, which is akin to an executive-level role. Okay, add to that the fact that I've never supported an "executive" before, either. Don't get me wrong, I'm flattered as all heck at the "offer" and deep down know that I can do the job. But...I'm not big on change. And being in my current role less than a year, I sorta feel like I was just getting into the groove of things. So, the change in and of itself makes me nervous. Plus, the fact that I've not been with the company a full year adds some anxiety around whether or not I'll know enough around company policy.



Let's add one other dynamic in with this. One of my cohorts has been an AA for close to 5 years now. But...per my manager, they won't offer the position to her. Mind you, I don't think she would want it even if they offered it to her. But I hate to think of how my taking on this role might affect our working relationship. Essentially, I would become her manager! Sometimes that doesn't play out very well.



So, I would love the opinion and feedback from any and everyone, but particularly those of you who have transitioned from an administrative role into a managerial position. Also, I would like some feedback on the difference between what an administrative assistant does, versus an executive assistant. AND (just one more thing, I promise)...what responsibilities does an office manager have?



Before you ask, I've already requested from her a detailed job description of what she does. Yes, she was my manager, but I certainly didn't see her do everything else that she does. I've not received it yet, so I'm sort of in limbo, and my inquisitive mind wants to know! She would like a decision as to whether or not I want to be considered as a candidate by noon Monday    but is willing to give me more time if I need it.



Thanks to all who have time to respond!  

[winkiebear]

Welcome from Lurkdom, and my opinion is that if deep down you know you can do this job, take the leap of faith, believe in yourself, and you can DO the job!



As for your question regarding the transition to management, I would only offer one thing.  The administrative role is, in general, a reactive role.  Management is expected to be proactive.  It is a different mindset, and requires an adjustment period.  Having gone through that myself, I can tell you that even though it seems difficult at first, your faith in yourself will pull you through it.



Good luck, O Eclectic One.  Make the choice that is right for you... and keep us posted?



  winkiebear

[goldenearring]

Why not just go for it knowing that, if it is not a good "fit," you have the option to turn it down?  If you don't even try, you'll never know!  Man, how many people are salivating all over themselves dreaming of having your dilemma.  Best wishes - GE

[goldenearring]

P.S.  Don't you think a "great manager" would recognize another potential "great manager?"  I certainly do.  Selah (think about that).

[bethalize]

From your post it appears that you KNOW you can do it and that you WANT to do it - so we can only do what we all need sometimes, and that is to confirm what you already know.

Go for it!

NB and at least no one will have had time to pigeonhole you yet.

[phoenix55]

Go for it!  I agree with GE; a great manager would know a potential great manager.  I was one who transitioned from line clerk to manager.  You can do it.  It sounds like your coworker has absolutely no interest in becoming a manager and has made that well known.  I doubt there will be any problems in that area.



Always stretch.  Don't be afraid to grow.

[countrigal]

Welcome!



I agree with everyone above... it sounds like you just reassurance that you should listen to your heart.  Do it, you know you can.



As for being an Executive Assistant... in my experience that's really no more than being an assistant (admin type) for anyone.  You're more center stage, so errors are more noticeable, but if they're offering it to you then they think you have the knowledge, skills, and experience you'll need, or the ability to learn them quickly.



Depending on what roles you've been fulfilling in your current position, you might already have been practicing proactiveness.  I do this in my job as Program Specialist, though it's not readily noticeable.  Do you wait for something to go wrong to fix it or are you noticing things that need to be done, things that will improve thecompany, reading and interpreting what you read and how it'll affect your company?  If so, or any one of numerous other examples, then you're being proactive and the change, though not easy, won't be impossible to make.



As for your co-worker... if you don't think she'd take the position, the chances are that she won't mind if you become the new manager.  If you do find yourself her new manager, I would suggest you schedule and appt to meet with her soon after filling the position and giving her a chance to voice her concerns.  If you do it in such a way as to assure her that you are going to need her experience and knowledge in her position, making he feel valuable in her role, then you will minimize the possible negative feelings she might have over your promotion.  If you haven't had any classes on management, I would suggest getting a book on management (college textbooks, though dry, are helpful here) and read up on management styles, handling workplace cultures, and human resources.  A basic business class covers these issues and gives a quick, broad look at them which gives th mostfor the least (most material for least amount of time involved).



Good luck, and defiitely let us know what you decide.

[northcarolina]

I agree with everyone else - go for it!



nc

[eclecticone]

Thanks to everyone who responded. And yes, sometimes we need that extra reassurance that what we want and know in our hearts is a good decision. Needless to say, I've vacillated several times this weekend between taking it or staying in my comfort zone.



But...then I think of all the opportunities a managerial role could afford me, and I think that maybe I'd be foolish to pass it up. So...I haven't officially made a decision yet, but I'll be sure to let you all know how this plays out. I've consulted with myself, my hubby, other family members whose opinions I value, and other professionals. Now, time to consult with the Man upstairs. Only He knows what is truly best for me. Wonder how quickly He'll respond, though!  

[countrigal]

Since he's the Lead Admin (among other titles), I'm sure he won't keep you waiting long.



Good luck!

[execsec]

I, too, agree with all the other posters.  Who knows to what heights you can reach if you don't believe in yourself and take a leap.  About 20 years ago, I was in a similar situation.  Everyone believed in me but myself.  I sucked it up and took the position and lo and behold I really could do it.  It has only lead to bigger and better things throughout my career.  I never would have known if I hadn't taken the "leap."  Go for it!!!!

[workerbee]

While it's in the air, you'll know how you want it to land.



Best advice I've ever been given for making a hard decision.



Good luck!



Elaine

[msgladiator]

I want to give you 17 years of work experience and what I have learned.  I worked hard and always had a proactive approach and went from my first job as a word processing clerk to a lead administrator role.  I am now a full-fledged manager with a large international corporation (and that's with no college degree).  Being a manager is a whole new ballgame and mindset no doubt.  As a manager, you'll be the one making the decisions, you'll be the one deciding who to hire for job openings, you'll be the one settling conflicts and solving problems, etc.  I've held the positions of executive assistant and office manager and realize the value of the knowledge and skills I gained in those jobs.  When I was approached by the company to fill the position, I knew right away that I was ready and that I wanted the position even though there were some aspects of the position that I had no experience in.  I did not ask friends, relatives or peers to help me make this decision.  Since you are hesitant, unsure and questioning yourself and have not made a decision yet, that may be telling you something right there.  But you are the only person who can make the decision.  We don't know you so how can we possibly tell you that you'd be great at the position.  We can only wish you the best in whatever decision you make.  

[eclecticone]

Thanks to everyone for the positive vibes and feedback! This board serves as a wonderful support system. Just an update - I've decided to post for the position!



msgladiator:



Perhaps I misinterpreted your post, but I sensed some condescencion in its tone. Though why you felt the need to express yourself in such a way is beyond me. I can appreciate candor and "being totally up front", when warranted.



I would never presume to ask perfect strangers for their blessings around a career decision. I was merely asking for your professional opinions and experiences. Clearly we process information differently, and your insinuation that because I didn't "JUMP" at the position when first offered means that I should not take it is evidence that no, you DON'T know me. I don't make decisions in a vacuum without carefully evaluating them. I do have a college degree with a minor in business management, and well over 10 years of post-college experience in the workplace, so I'm certain I can do the job. And as I stated in my initial post, I know deep down that I can perform in this role. And after seeing the job description, I'm even more certain. Perhaps had I been in my role (or even with this firm) for many years as you stated you had, I would have been quicker to jump at the offer.



I RESPECTFULLY asked for the opinions of those who have been in similar situations or who have performed in similar roles as an adjunct to my own decision-making process. I never asked to be TOLD that I would be great at the position. And, while the experiences and support of peers and family can be invaluable, I made the decision that was best for me of my own accord.



 

[countrigal]

I believe that this post and the advice/suggestions held in it have done what they were expected to do, which is provide a sounding board for someone to think "out loud" so to speak, and get a chance to look at the proposed position from all views.



Eclectic, congrats on deciding to put your name in the hat and good luck.    Let us know how the decision falls.