Applying for a director role - too much of a reach?

[CampervanQueen]

I'm currently working in a senior technical role, a level I've been at for about 10 years. Up until now, I've been happy working at this level: it's reasonably well-paid, my current job is interesting, and I'm conscious that if I move up a level or two, I would spend much less time carrying out the technical work which is what I came into the job for in the first place!

A director role has come up within this technical area at an organisation I would love to join. However, whilst I fulfil many of the requirements for the role, I'm lacking the 'director' level skills.

How likely is an organisation to take a punt on someone who is keen. enthusiastic, and willing to learn? The application is quite involved, and needs to be submitted by soon, so I don't want to waste my time on a fruitless exercise.

@legoriakelne

What does "emotional maturity" mean in this context? Emotionless?

The way I understand it, it's many traits. Like the ability to face stress without losing your head, taking criticism without taking it personally, showing ability to solve problems for members of your team, being resilient, not saying thing below the line especially to members of your team, being assertive but not aggressive...etc

Sorry, 'below the line'?

I have tried googling but none of the meanings coming up seems to fit what you're saying.

@legoriakelne

Sorry, 'below the line'?

I have tried googling but none of the meanings coming up seems to fit what you're saying.

I did a quick Google and this explains it well:

www.sunderlandcoaching.com/blog/above-the-line-leadership-explained

Go for it.

Can I suggest that becoming a school governor is excellent for developing board level skills. www.inspiringgovernance.org/volunteers/

Thank you @Skippingabeat that's all useful.

Update: 1st round interview secured...

Thanks for the information about above the line @Skippingabeat - that's really useful. I've added it to my very long list of pre-interview reading/preparation!

Are you me? Actually, I've just applied for a Director role from a technical role. I know I can do the job, just wobbly about it all

@CMOTDibbler

Are you me? Actually, I've just applied for a Director role from a technical role. I know I can do the job, just wobbly about it all

Me too. I'm taking the fake-it-until-you-make-it approach!

It doesn't help that my husband's response to me even securing the interview was surprise: he thought it was too much of a reach as well. Glad he's got such faith in me.....

Good luck, OP! I'm so happy you applied and congrats on getting the interview. 💪🏻

Your DH is flip-flopping from
"Apply" to "Really? YOU?" and that's proof he doesn't have director-level wisdom (IME). So I wouldn't listen.

Keep us posted!

You can probably do it. You may as well try.

The thing to remember is a lot of it is just giving people permission to do what they already know they should do. It can feel strange at first, but lots of the job, IME, is really allowing people to do their own job properly, consciously, and verbally making that ok. People want to do things and do them well. They really do.

And, I guess, being more aware of your outsize impact on people. It's a little like suddenly growing two feet and accidentally frightening people in lifts. You feel the same but suddenly everything you do and say is bigger. If you recognise and use this wellto praise people, to move projects forward, and to build confidence and energy it can make a lot of difference in your org.

@AlbertBridge

Good luck, OP! I'm so happy you applied and congrats on getting the interview. 💪🏻

Your DH is flip-flopping from
"Apply" to "Really? YOU?" and that's proof he doesn't have director-level wisdom (IME). So I wouldn't listen.

Keep us posted!

Oh I don't listen to him when it comes to career things. We work in very different fields, and he has some very strong views about the field that I work in which I fundamentally disagree with. And vice versa. So we have agreed to disagree!

@mokojolo

You can probably do it. You may as well try.

The thing to remember is a lot of it is just giving people permission to do what they already know they should do. It can feel strange at first, but lots of the job, IME, is really allowing people to do their own job properly, consciously, and verbally making that ok. People want to do things and do them well. They really do.

And, I guess, being more aware of your outsize impact on people. It's a little like suddenly growing two feet and accidentally frightening people in lifts. You feel the same but suddenly everything you do and say is bigger. If you recognise and use this wellto praise people, to move projects forward, and to build confidence and energy it can make a lot of difference in your org.

This is really interesting. We've had a lot of change at senior level in the organisation I currently work in over the past 12 months. The biggest change feels like the permission to do our jobs that we had before is being eroded. We were good - very good, and having the trust to get on & do it was valuable. In fact, its one of the organisation's core values.

I've been watching in particular my new director and learning what he's doing well AND crucially, what I think he's failing at.

Op, another good article for you

www.google.com/amp/s/hbr.org/amp/2014/08/why-women-dont-apply-for-jobs-unless-theyre-100-qualified

Good luck!!

I am 50 next month and a mediocre man. Just started my first director role this month running finances for an academy trust.

Can't say I'm sleeping much, but this was a punt that worked.

Go for it!

I just wanted to know OP, did you get the job?

Yes I’m curious, how did it go op?

There is a role I want to apply for in the technical area I work. I have the technical skills, and currently Head up an area but I'm really put off by my ability to 'speak.' I know I am not as good as the men I work alongside, and just think people will think I'm talking crap. I don't speak as fluently.

Do it! Why are you even waiting?

I agree that you should go for it, emphasising the various leadership and (as important and slightly different) strategic skills you already have in the application and the interview if you get one.

'director-level skills' is shorthand for leader-y, calm hand on tiller and strategic - go for it!