"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves. "
Lao Tzu
Surviving in any fast paced enviroment requires the ability to handle different functions, skills and demands. Those who succeed and are promoted tp the upper levels of management are well versed in managerial knowledge and skills. By contrast, a failing manager may be remembered as good worker but a disaster as a manager.
Promotion from within is difficult without the proper guidance and training. To know the job function is not enough to manage the function. You need to understand the basic roots of management. Learning to lead rather than to do the task yourself. Stepping away from thinking like an employee and gaining the respect from your peers who know must follow your lead.
As the manager, you need to set clear goals and to see that they are understood by everyone in the same way. Each goal starts as a structured idea or a concept that must be defined in a matter that puts the entire team on the same page. As managers, you need to find out whether the idea is clearly understood to the people you have placed these expectations on. Different people may perceive the same idea in different ways. Never assume that everyone is thinking along the same path as you are. Ask simple questions and listen carefully to what their concept of what the plan is. If the person can not clearly understand your idea, perhaps different goals need to be formulated that all can meet and understand. Then the process starts all over and you must observe as it runs through the same stages. This is a very important step in creating a successful workplace.
Communication and patience are very important elements at this point, making sure what you said is what they heard. Most problems arise from missed communication. Don't just assume they understand, ask questions! I can not stress enough to communicate. Allow everyone to feel that no question or suggestion is not important. Make sure your staff also understands that asking questions is acceptable and welcomed. Good communication creates a comfort zone which improves productivity. Learn to listen to your tone. Sometimes words take on a whole different meaning when spoken at different levels. Your team will always respond better when spoken to, not commanded to.
Proper training and training materials assure a solid foundation. A poor manager may spend hours doing the work rather than taking the time to teach the staff to do it. While they are performing these tasks, their own managerial deadlines are being missed. Take the time to teach them the correct way it is done. The attitude of "it won't get done right unless I do it myself" in the end will cause you failure not only with the business but in the eyes of the staff. This poor management style creates havoc during times when that manager takes time away from the job and tasks begin to pile up unattended to.
Encouraging an 'ownership idealism' and allowing them to contribute not only makes your job easier but brings fresh ideas to the table. You may find employees will take more pride in their work and less 're-works' are required. Instead of accomplishing the work of one worker (yourself), you should direct and motivate others to accomplish those set goals. Wouldn't it be nice to take a day off and not think of work? The 'martyr' management style as I call it, can not. You often hear "...nothing gets done when I am gone, I can't take off..." and who's fault is that?
Next comes the planning stage. Start examining the 'whole picture', then breaking it down into smaller sections and delegating these sections carefully. The more you can delegate, the more time you will have to explore new avenues to increase your business line.
Some managers fear that subordinates, given key tasks and authority, might learn them well enough to threaten the manager's own power - and maybe even their job. Having this attitude may keep you your position, but could prevent any promotion or advancement. Being in charge of a well organized team presents a better reflection of what you could offer at a higher level. Let your suboridinates grow as you grow. This also creates strong loyalty.
Here comes the hard part..step back and let them do their job. Mistakes might be made, but also lessons learned at the same time. Remember they are on a learning curve. Follow up and give honest assessments. I would rather hear what I am doing wrong then to find out later that it could have been done easier or more efficiently another way. Listen, talk, and encourage idea-sharing.
Now you can do your job ... manage 
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