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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 9 S E P T E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 9 Q: I've been a supervisor for five years. I'd like to be promoted, but they tell me I don't show potential for management. How can I overcome that? ACE advises: You demonstrate potential for man- agement by developing and practicing basic mana- gerial skills within the limits of your current job. Fundamental strengths are asking good ques- tions and making sound decisions. The two skills can be studied separately, but in practice they work closely together. Decision-making starts with thoughtful examination of the situation at hand to determine what is known and what further must be found out to handle it successfully. Being thorough will take some time at first, but make sure you learn it well before you speed up the process. Good questions are based on that firm grasp of the current reality. The com- petent manager is a curious person, a problem solver who takes responsibility. This person can't ignore a problem even when everybody else does. He or she is compelled to stop, look at it, determine what's causing it and seek out a solution. Once you understand what seems to be going on, you can employ curiosity, forethought and open-ended questioning. This requires practice, too, but it's instructive to watch a competent manager doing it at work. Be careful, though. Not all managers who might seem to be effective actu- ally are. Additional strengths include building skills and confidence of your staff people. Doing that requires more subtle characteristics such as listening, patience and empathy. Finding yourself a mentor who displays all those strengths is the blue-ribbon solution. Keep an eye out. You may find one. More likely, it's all up to you. Your first big management challenge . A S K AC E A n s w e r e d b y J i m M i l l i k e n , C o n s u l t a n t The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a non-profit association of independent consultants who value "Success through Collaboration." The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com. If you have a question for an ACE expert, contact Jim Milliken at jim@millikenproject.com. Not all managers who might seem to be effective actually are. One Moment Can Make A Difference. Starting up your own business can be stressful. As a local business, we know what it takes to be successful. We know how to make your job easier. Along with conveniences like mobile banking, online banking, and remote deposit capture, Maine's credit unions offer low fees, favorable rates, and personal service you can depend on every day. Find a Maine credit union near you at mainecreditunions.org It's your moment. Ownit. grant, it plans to continue working with software design and devel- opment specialists and testing its software with listeners. e company intends to sell the software publicly later this year, according to a news release from the Central Maine Growth Council. e Eariously team has capitalized on Waterville and Maine's burgeoning startup eco- system, said co-founder and CEO Nick Rimsa. United Way of KV has new director United Way of Kennebec Valley has named Courtney Yeager as executive director, succeeding Rob Gordon, who recently retired. Yeager is the first woman to lead the 64-year- old nonprofit, according to a news release. She started Aug. 10. Previously, she served for three years as the UWKV's director of resource development and marketing. In that role, she increased funds raised in the annual campaign by 19%. She also implemented several initiatives that attracted new donors, including the UWKV Emerging Leaders Society for young professionals, a giving program for small businesses, and a planned giving society. Founded in 1955, United Way of Kennebec Valley works to improve access to health care, education and financial stabil- ity for the people and communities of southern Kennebec County. e Augusta nonprofit funds more than 50 programs, and helped 22,700 local people last year. Former wood-products site in Oxford sold RideSource Inc. purchased a 68,175-square-foot light manufac- turing complex on 15 acres, at 822 Main St. in Oxford, from National Wood Products of Maine Inc. for $375,000. Tim Millett of Boulos Co. represented the seller and also worked on behalf of the buyer in the deal, which closed July 1. e complex consists of a large mill building and several outbuildings. Features include ceiling heights up

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