A managerial position is the dream of many ambitious workers. But not every aspiring leader is cut out for the job. If you are wondering whether a management career is right for you, try reflecting on the following five points. You may recognise yourself in them, and if so, it might be time to consider a different career path.
You do not like people and are not a communicative type
If the thought of constant contact with people brings furrows to your brow and you regard communication as a necessary evil, then perhaps a management role is not for you. As INC.com states, managers spend most of their time interacting with others, be it motivating a team, resolving conflicts, or simply listening to the needs of subordinates. If you can't imagine you would find this fulfilling, you may be better off remaining in the role of a professional rather than a leader.
You regard delegating as a weakness
Do you subscribe to the notion that whatever you don't do yourself will turn out badly? That could be a big problem as the ability to delegate is a key trait of a successful manager. If you tend to keep a tight grip on everything and are unwilling to trust your team, not only will you be overloaded, but the team will lack confidence and motivation.
The idea of not having a precise plan every day scares you
Management work is often about improvisation. Be it unexpected team problems, last-minute changes or constantly shifting priorities, you have to be flexible. If you need every day to go exactly as planned, you are likely to face frequent frustration in your managerial role.
You are afraid of conflict
Conflicts are a natural part of any work environment, and a manager should be able to deal with them effectively and with a sense of perspective. If the idea of confrontation is a nightmare for you and you would rather avoid it at all costs, this may mean you would find a managerial role more stressful than enjoyable.
You can't motivate the people around you
A successful manager has to be able to inspire and motivate their team. Can you imagine yourself motivating and inspiring someone? If not, then you should beware because a successful manager must be able to understand the individual needs and goals of their subordinates.
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