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Want to be a 'manager'? Don't just wait for a vacancy to open up above you before you show your skills. Before that, master the 'Four Dos and Two Don'ts' to create your own career path.

Are you waiting for a position to open up above you, or for a private office to become available, before you plan to make your mark? If so, you may constantly feel that your talents are unrecognized.

In fact, you don't need to wait for a specific title on your business card to start acting like a leader. You can always think, communicate, and act from a manager's perspective. 'Regardless of your title, you can demonstrate leadership,' says Amy Jen Su, co-author of Own the Room.

Create your own career path instead of waiting for a promotion. Before you become a manager, follow these 'Four Dos and Two Don'ts' to position yourself as the best candidate.

Do: Swing with Full Effort

Having ambition is good, but no matter how grand your aspirations, avoid being overambitious or aiming too high. This can negatively affect your current tasks.

Think of it like baseball: when you're at the plate, focus on the pitcher, seize every at-bat opportunity, and swing with full effort. If you don't seize the moment, thinking about the future is futile.

Michael D. Watkins, author of The First 90 Days, reminds us, 'Make sure your peers and superiors never question your current performance.' That's the first step.

Do: Seize Opportunities and Say, 'Let Me Do It, I Can!'

Watkins advises saying 'yes' more often than 'no' to your boss, helping them achieve their goals. Show a positive attitude and proactive approach, demonstrating your ability to take on major projects. Let others feel your confidence that says, 'Let me do it, I can.'

This applies not only to upward management but also to tasks of any size, even outside your department or in community activities. Step forward bravely, seize opportunities, and even raise your hand to say, 'Pick me, pick me.'

Simple meetings or community volunteer days are great opportunities to practice your leadership skills.

Do: Take on What Others Avoid

Letting others do what you don't want to do might seem clever, but you miss out on valuable experience. Watkins believes, 'Every organization has needs—problems that no one notices or deliberately ignores.' For example, if current products or services fail to meet customer needs, will you pass the problem to others and ride on their coattails, or will you take it on and prove your potential?

Act like a leader by doing what no one else wants to do, and you'll stand out.

Do: Find Role Models

Management isn't something you can learn in isolation. Identify people you want to learn from and find opportunities to work with them. Observe what they do, how they do it, how they express themselves, communicate, and even dress. Find aspects you can emulate while staying true to yourself.

Through observation, you can also learn their work methods and how they handle various problems and situations.

Don't: Put on Airs or Issue Orders

Ambition and overstepping boundaries can easily cross the line. Watkins says, 'When you don't have authority, don't impose it arbitrarily.' Don't act like you're the big boss, giving orders and being bossy. Instead, practice 'servant leadership,' focusing on the team's goals rather than putting yourself first. Amy Jen Su also recommends adopting a 'humble but confident' attitude—showing appropriate modesty while having confidence in your abilities.

Don't: Show Off Your Ambition

If you have a trusting and solid relationship with your boss, you can show more initiative. But remember, the focus should be on 'what's good for the organization,' not highlighting your personal excellence, which might make your boss feel threatened.

Don't openly discuss your ambitions; let your actions demonstrate your drive and initiative rather than empty words. Before you become a manager, practice management. This not only showcases your abilities but also convinces others that you have the potential to take on challenges and are ready to shoulder more responsibility.

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