How can I make my new role work for my future?

You’ve moved into a new world, so you need to be consciously developing new skills from day one. Get onto any training courses that your organisation offers for managers, and sniff out appropriate ones if they don’t. Many organisations will be prepared to fund your place on a course if you find the right one. Remember to network with other managers, because their skills and experience can be worth dozens of courses, as well as providing useful contacts for the future.

Time management, motivating and leading staff, delegating and active listening are some of the key skills you need to develop as a manager. Get a good handle on these skills, and show the results, and your value in the jobs market will soar.