It’s easy to assume that every professional aspires to reach the zenith of their given field. Yet, the reality is, advancing up the corporate ladder isn’t always as fun, rewarding, or profitable as one would imagine. Indeed, there are some negative aspects associated with taking on a managerial role at your company. So before you consider applying for that new vacancy or angling for a promotion, make sure to read through this post first.
Benefits of Becoming a Manager
There are plenty of reasons to aspire to landing a position within your company’s upper-management structure. For one, the higher your position, the higher your paycheck will be (normally). What’s more, some companies offer high-ranking officials the opportunity to utilize specialized stock options. So the financial benefits of moving into a new role may be even more substantial than the “on-paper” pay raise.
In addition to the economic advantages, managers also enjoy increased clout in the workplace. Managers get to make decisions, and they set the tone for how their team will approach important projects. Business leaders decide which strategies a company will follow and which they’ll ultimately discard. So if you dislike a particular policy or program, becoming a manager will give you the chance to change it for the better.
Lastly, business leaders operate in a strata unto themselves. There’s no other way around it, professionals in high-ranking positions have greater access to industry movers and shakers. As such, it’s easy to see why the best business leaders operate on the cutting edge and are always on the lookout for newer, even more profitable prospects. The accumulation of advantage is real, and it can benefit you massively if you know how to leverage your role.
Drawbacks of Business Leadership Roles
With increased salary and freedom comes a hike in responsibility. Rather than simply needing to handle their own workload, business managers have to inspire their entire team to achieve their best as well. As such, business leaders have to find ways to motivate their employees and boost workplace productivity. If you’re not comfortable speaking in front of large groups and taking the initiative on difficult tasks, then accepting a leadership role may not be the best way forward for your career.
Furthermore, business leaders are often asked to go above and beyond what’s expected of “rank-and-file” employees. That means potentially burning the midnight oil, traveling extensively, and working outside of your usual hours. Business leaders have to earn their lofty position through their labor, and they have to put in lots of graft behind the scenes to ensure that their organization keeps ticking. You can’t “pass the buck” once you become a manager.
Lastly, it’s important to note that even business leaders face scrutiny and criticism. Indeed, though some people may imagine that their bosses operate with total impunity, the reality is managers are judged by their own superiors. In many cases, business leaders’ performances are monitored and criticized even more heavily than the average employee. If really want to succeed in business, you have to be willing to face your critics and stand up to the heat a managerial position entails.
Final Thoughts
So, to get to the bottom line: should you take that promotion and become a manager at your business? The answer, unsurprisingly, depends on you and your work, personal, familial, and social situation. There’s nothing wrong with being happy and content with your current setup; many-a-professional has found the transition into a leadership role an unpleasant one. Also, business leaders often struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance. On the other hand, if it’s always been your ambition to take up the mantle of leadership, then you should seize the opportunity with both hands.
