Moving from PA to Management

[FloraGreysteel]

I've been asked if I'd like to move to a managerial role after having been a PA for the last 15 years (I work in higher ed), because my own line manager thinks I'd be very good at it. I'm up for it, so I'd like to read a couple of straightforward books about making a career change and/or being a good manager.

Can anyone recommend anything? It's so hard to find something that isn't stuffed with buzzwords, aggressive and "overly managerial", which wouldn't fit in with the culture at an old uni. As for the career change thing, I wouldn't know where to start.

I recommend The First 90 days.

It doesn't deal with your situation specifically but is v good for anyone moving to a new role/promoted.

Thanks, Palavar, I will check it out!

I did this a few years back. I didn't read any books but I did have a few excellent mentors - my old boss who pushed me to make the move is one of them, another was a senior manager who I worked closely with and the third someone who worked in training and development.

All were honest and open with their experiences with me - pushed me to think outside of my comfort zone. I still have a tendency to think of myself as support staff so they really helped me think differently.

So I would recommend possibly asking for a mentor if you can.