How to Find Opportunities for Growth: The making of a manager

Hi guys,

So since Q2 started, we’ve been focusing on one major thing:

One big shift. One area to improve. One intentional move that changes how we show up.

If you’ve been following this series, you’ll remember:

* We started with The Making of a Manager (here), understanding growth and responsibility

* Then we moved into Identifying Your Gaps (here)

* And now… we’re taking it a step further

Because it’s not just about knowing your gaps.

It’s about doing something about them.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Level Honestly

By now, ideally, you should have:

* Reviewed your job description

* Assessed your competence level

* Identified your strengths

* Identified your gaps

But let’s be honest…

Not everyone can do this objectively.

And that’s okay.

If that’s you, this is your next step:

Sit down with your line manager

Ask:

* Where do you think I perform best?

* Where do you think I need improvement?

* What skills would take me to the next level?

Sometimes, the clarity you need is in a conversation you’ve been avoiding.

Step 2: Choose ONE Area (Not Five)

This is where most people get stuck.

You’ve identified 4–5 gaps…

And then try to fix everything at once.

That’s how nothing changes.

Instead, ask yourself:

What is the ONE thing I can improve this month that will:

* Change how people perceive me at work?

* Improve how I show up daily?

* Build my confidence?

* Move me closer to my next level?

That one thing?

That’s your focus for May.

Step 3: Use What Your Company Already Offers

A lot of people miss this.

Most companies have a development budget for you.

But people don’t ask

I’ve used mine multiple times.

Instead of struggling alone, say:

“I’ve identified this as a development area, and I’d really like to improve in it. Are there any training opportunities the company can support me with?”

You may need to:

* Write a proposal

* Justify the training

* Show business value

Do it.

Because when you grow, the company grows.

Step 4: Explore Opportunities for Improvement

Now we move from awareness → action.

Let me give you a real example.

When I started my food business(here), one of my biggest gaps was clear:

 Food hygiene and safety knowledge

And I didn’t overthink it.

I moved.

Here’s the exact approach I used:

1. Start with Free Options

There are so many free resources available in the UK.

Always start here.

2. Move to Affordable Platforms

If you need more structure:

* Udemy

* Coursera

Practical. Affordable. Straight to the point.

3. Check Local Colleges

Before spending big:

Look for:

* Evening courses

* Short certifications

* Subsidised programmes

4. Then Universities

If you need depth:

Universities offer short courses that go deeper.

Yes, more expensive but sometimes worth it.

So Where Are You Right Now?

Let’s bring it back to you.

For May:

* Have you identified your gaps?

* Have you chosen your ONE focus area?

* Have you explored your growth options?

If not…

This is your moment.

Not next week.

Not next month.

Now.

What’s Next?

In the next post:

I will discuss ‘How to plan and actually execute your growth strategy’.

Because knowing what to do is one thing…

But executing it?

That’s what changes everything.

Final Thought

It’s a bank holiday, yes…

But somewhere between the rest and the reset,

Ask yourself:

What is the one thing I’m committing to this month that will move my career forward?

Let’s grow intentionally.

With love,

Ayo 💛

⸻

If this post resonated with you, share it with one person stepping into something new this month. We have a 10k goal, Let’s make it happen.

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