First steps into management

If you work in a mid-sized or larger firm in the financial services sector, you may have the option to grow your career by taking on a leadership role.

1. Act as a passionate role model and encourage new ideas from team members

2. Communicate well with all types of personalities

3. Keep a positive attitude in order to motivate your team

4. Challenge your team with high performance standards

How can you prepare yourself for a team leader role? 

Have you trained or developed someone? Look out for opportunities to lead projects or to mentor colleagues.

Know your motivation:

Asking these questions will give you and your direct manager a vision of where you want to take your career and how leading people aligns with that. It will also help you assess your strengths and weaknesses. 

Develop your skills:

The next step is to actively hone your leadership skills. There is no shortage of specialised training courses in this area. Companies with a strong HR function will support you in defining your career goals and help identify appropriate training. But developing your leadership skills ultimately remains your responsibility; be proactive in identifying appropriate courses. It is a generally good advice to attend as much training as possible, however it is equally important to develop and demonstrate your leadership skills in the workplace. Have you hired someone? Have you trained or developed someone? Look out for opportunities to lead projects or to mentor colleagues. Also look at the leaders above you; what are their strong traits and how can you embrace these traits in your role? 

Sell your vision:

Emphasis is often on external contacts when we think about networking. While it is important to promote yourself, your firm and your vision externally, you should not neglect to do the same within your own organisation. Be clear about who your internal ambassadors should be. Make sure that the relevant people know where you want to go with your career and why. Finally, make your objectives clear by formalising them as part of official processes such as appraisals.

In Switzerland, managing your relationships with internal stakeholders follows the same principles as elsewhere. But the culture in Swiss firms tends to be more conservative. You will need to be more discrete when building your internal network than you would in other countries.

Are you interested in becoming a team leader in financial services in Switzerland? Have a look at our vacancies or get in touch with our consultants.

Check your salary and keep being up to date with our global Salary Survey.