Sure, moving up to a senior management position has its perks—a bigger paycheck, better stock options, more power and prestige, even a better parking spot. But are the perks worth the pressure?
If you're ascending into management for the first time or you already have keys to the executive washroom, you may not like the bigger "target on your back" that comes with a big promotion. Sometimes the best way to reach your full potential is to stay out of the boardroom. That said, telling your boss you want to stay put can have a number of serious consequences. You may be shut out for promotion for some time, allowing those below you to climb over you and become your boss.
By staying put, you're essentially sidestepping the Peter Principle, which states that employees ultimately rise to their level of incompetence. Best to remain as a competent and successful engineer, designer or worker bee than rise to a mediocre manager or VP. Many tech types enjoy playing in the creative sandbox and eschew the people problems and office politics of upper management.
Joining the management ranks is definitely a change. You may get an office to replace your cubicle and a real personal assistant instead of a computer program. People will not always tell you what's on their mind. On the other hand, you'll have to look deep into yourself to see if you really are a leader, and if you can settle disputes and solve budgeting and people problems. You'll be doing a lot of delegating and evaluating people under you. There will be reports and presentations to deliver to upper management or the CEO. Those above you will expect you to be on call 24/7 and work nights and weekends. It's a tough call. With real consequences.
Are you ready to climb that corporate ladder? Have you ever been in a situation where you had to turn down that promotion? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
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