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The industrial sector is the backbone of most modern economies and relies greatly on skilled technicians. Such individuals have in-depth technical knowledge backed by hands-on experience, central to the smooth running of the industrial process. 

However, with industries getting more sophisticated, companies realized that technicians needed managerial skills and knowledge to a greater extent. A recent study has come up with the result that 77% of the firms have opined that leadership is lacking and firms struggle to find and develop leaders. How, then, do technicians scale the leadership ladder to become managers?

The following steps and strategies, therefore, are targeted at providing guidelines for technicians seeking career progression into managerial roles within the industrial sector. 

Building a strong technical foundation 

Mastering technical skills and knowledge relevant to your field is the first and most crucial step in climbing the industrial career ladder. A solid technical foundation not only makes you an effective technician but also earns you the respect and trust of your colleagues and superiors. That said, pursue certifications and additional training opportunities to stay informed about the latest technologies and industry trends. 

As you gain expertise, you can be a reliable expert within your team or department. You get to demonstrate a deep understanding of the goal of industrial maintenance, troubleshooting complex issues, and sharing your knowledge with others. This positions you as a go-to leader in your team, one who can take responsibility and lead team members.  

Essentially, a strong technical foundation serves as a launching pad for your career path. It not only enhances your value as a technician but also prepares you for the challenges of managing technical teams and projects in the future. 

Developing soft skills 

While technical skills are essential, soft skills are equally important for aspiring managers. Communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are critical for effectively leading and motivating teams. As an industrial maintenance technician seeking to be a manager, you need these skills to complement the technical aspects of your job and to help you climb the leadership ladder.

If there are leadership opportunities on projects or mentorship of colleagues, grab them. This will help you exercise delegation, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills at the workplace. Additionally, practice articulating what you want to say in words and on paper. Develop your presentation skills, too, and how to tune this for your audiences. 

Gaining experience beyond your role

To stand out as a potential manager, demonstrate initiative and willingness to find experiences beyond your role. That said, it helps to consider volunteering for cross-functional projects or task forces to gain exposure to different areas of the organization. This allows you to develop a broader understanding of the business and build relationships with colleagues from other departments. 

Furthermore, you can also enroll in some leadership training to help you acquire the skills needed for other higher positions. This would include the shadowing of a manager or a supervisor for vital first-hand information regarding their roles and responsibilities and problems faced by them. This way, you will be able to decide whether working as a manager is what you are called for. 

It also means taking on additional responsibilities and positions outside your core job duties, such as leading a safety committee or team-building event. These types of work experiences can demonstrate that you have the capacity to manage others and motivate them, making you more well-rounded and an attractive candidate for management. 

Networking and build relationships 

Developing good relationships with managers, supervisors, and mentors is also important in climbing the corporate ladder. They can offer invaluable guidance and insights into untapped opportunities.

Consider expanding your professional network through industry events, too. You can also join professional societies and do meaningful committee work. It will help you gain experience from other seasoned leaders while exercising expertise. Remember, networking is not about asking favors; it's more about building mutually beneficial relationships founded upon trust and respect. 

In fact, many experts believe that 70%-80% are never posted and more than 80% of jobs are filled through networking. By cultivating a strong professional network, you can gain access to information, advice, and potential job opportunities that can accelerate your career progression.

Seeking out managerial opportunities 

Once you have built a strong foundation in technical skills, soft skills, and leadership experience, it's time to actively seek out managerial opportunities. Look for internal promotion opportunities within your company. Express your interest in management roles to your supervisor or human resources department, too.

A 2020 survey showed that 66% of employees prefer to be managed by people promoted internally rather than those hired externally. This means that you could have better leverage by seeking management roles from within the company. However, don't hesitate to explore external opportunities if they align with your career goals. 

Takeaway

From technician to manager—the journey is multidimensional; it is dedication-, learning-, and proactive-action-intense. While this growth can be challenging, it holds big rewards both personally and professionally. Your career is in your hands, and with the right strategies, you can climb the industrial career ladder and meet your full potential.