Getting a management role

[electroBeam]

Through dream board work and Leo's life purpose course, I feel really good about the prospects of being a leader. In a startup I've cofounded, the parts I enjoy the most is the leadership parts, rather than the computer programming parts. I love setting up policies, optimising internal processes and workflows of the business, and upholding values and principles with the employees within the business. I love thinking holistically and solving problems systemically. And I love directly interfacing with the wellbeing of people - that I want to directly change. 

When I was in high school and college, my favourite subjects were politics, culture and sociology. And it would probably more align with the stuff on the dream board if I eventually got into that. Eventually maybe get into a non for profit around changing public policies or researching new and innovative political systems. 

Unfortunately the startup is in a poor region in Asia. The business makes enough money to pay 4 employees, but not enough for me (or the other cofounder).

This means I need to work at another job bootstrapping it.

 

The other job is another startup, and I am their AI(Artificial Intelligence) programmer. To align with my life purpose, I really want to try and grow their business, so that I can land a management role with them. Its very ambitious, but I'm willing to fail and work hard to get there. 

Would you have any clarity on how to go about that?

 

My default approach is to see what the boss really wants, beyond the tasks he gives me, and try to inquire on the reasoning and thought processes behind the tasks. What are the tasks going towards? How does that help make the business money?

I could then see if there are any immediate resources at the business's disposal, that could improve the efficiency or way the AI work(and software work) gets done at the business. Come up with a vision for an improved internal workflow, that helps the boss get what he wants quicker, and with less work on his side. I assume, the more these internal workflows gives the boss more of what he wants quicker, and with less work needed on his side, he will like it. If I take ownership of this internal process, I could lead it, which would help me align more with what's on my dream board, and be a stepping stone to eventually getting a position that aligns even more (while waiting for the other company to mature).

 

Would you have any clarity around this? I have very little management or leadership experience. Would you suggest I go start learning some courses? Start reading up on a few things? Any books you recommend?