"I want to be a manager" is a common career aspiration. But what does management actually entail? Whether you're an aspiring manager, new manager, or seasoned manager, join this session to reflect on important skills to succeed in this role. Here is an overview of the topics we will cover: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/thoughts-management-aspiring-new-continuously-growing-lisa-cohen/?trackingId=YFDJTk9wgh%2BXv%2FQ1MG8yKw%3D%3D

1. November 16–20
MACHINE LEARNING, AI,
AND DATA SCIENCE CONFERENCE

2. Do you want
to be a
manager?
Lisa Cohen
Principal Data Scientist Manager
Customer Growth Analytics
Lisa.Cohen@microsoft.com

3. 3
Agenda 1. Decide if you want to be a manager
2. Create an action plan
3. Onboard successfully
4. Continue growing in your career

4. 4
Do you want to be
a manager?
• Like interacting with people?
• Good communicator?
• OK having challenging conversations?
• Can you negotiate? Say “no”?
• Can you manage conflicts?
• Are you organized?
• Comfortable delegating?
• Willing to be accountable for others?
• Gravitate to big picture vs details?
• Ready for more responsibility?
1

5. 5
Presenting yourself as a manager candidate
 Role model (model, coach, care)
 People look up to you as a coach/mentor
 Passion for helping others
 Leadership principles
(create clarity, generate energy, deliver success)
 Great communicator (clear, motivating)
 Drive for results
 Sound judgment, values, integrity
 Self-awareness, fairness, promotes D&I
 Represent the team well externally

6. 6
Action plan for aspiring managers
Mentor
Lead a
student
project
Raise
improve-
ments
Manage an
intern
Manage
vendors
Interview
2

7. 7
Transitioning into a manager role
Peer to
manager
Manage a
new team

8. Diving in
First steps as a new manager, or manager of a new team
• Meet the team
• Introduce yourself
• Establish rhythms
• Create a 30/60/90 day plan
• Be a sponge
• Document vision and strategy
• Deliver quick wins
• Invest in partner relationships
• Get a mentor / onboarding buddy
3

9. Leadership
practices
Also see MS Poll
4

10. 10
Situational
Leadership II:
Managing to the
individual

11. 11
Manager scenarios
• Hiring
• Performance and compensation
• Giving feedback
• Requesting feedback
• Creating a healthy work environment
• Vision & strategy
• Prioritizing & aligning work
See “Thoughts on management” blog post

12. 12
Management in tech
Microsoft
Manager responsibilities
1. Model
2. Coach
3. Care
Leadership principles
1. Create clarity
2. Generate energy
3. Deliver success
Company values
1. Integrity
2. Respect
3. Accountability
Google
Project “Oxygen” (Mgr Research)
1. Is a good coach
2. Empowers team and does
not micromanage
3. Creates an inclusive team
environment, showing
concern for success and
well-being
4. Is productive and results-
oriented
5. Is a good communicator –
listens and shares
information
6. Supports career
development and discusses
performance
7. Has a clear vision/strategy
for the team
8. Has key technical skills to
help advise the team
Amazon
14 leadership principles
1. Customer Obsession
2. Ownership
3. Invent and Simplify
4. Are Right, A Lot
5. Learn and Be Curious
6. Hire and Develop the Best
7. Insist on the Highest
Standards
8. Think Big
9. Bias for Action
10. Frugality
11. Earn Trust
12. Dive Deep
13. Have Backbone - Disagree
and Commit
14. Deliver Results

13. 13
Book recommendations
• The Manager's Path: A Guide for Tech Leaders Navigating Growth and Change
• The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You
• Leaders Eat Last
• Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
• Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High
• First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently
• Thanks for the Feedback
• Drive

14. 14
Microsoft resources
• Managers @ Microsoft Site
• Management Excellence Site
• Exploring Management Resources
• Training: Developing others using Situational Leadership II
• Tools: HR Insights, Employee Central, iCIMS, Connects, Rewards, MyLearning
• Career development plan template

15. 15
Key takeaways to create your plan
1. Do you want to
be a manager?
• OK with
challenging
conversations?
• Like people?
• Like to go deep?
2. Develop the
skills
• Mentor
• Lead team
projects
• Manage vendors
• Raise new ideas
3. Onboard
successfully
• Meet the team
• 30/60/90 day
plan
• Document vision
• Quick wins
4. Keep growing
• Hone your style
• Gather feedback
• Learn from
books & training
• Get a mentor

16. Keep in Touch
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cohenlisa/
https://medium.com/data-science-at-microsoft
Lisa.Cohen@microsoft.com

17. 17
Q&A

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