I Said "NO" to Being a Manager

 I said no to being a manager, and here's why

When I was offered the chance to be a manager, I had two options: I could take it and be a sales boss (at that point of time), or I could learn more skills and gain more experience and exposure and become a sales leader.

I chose the latter.

I'm not going to stay an IC forever. I intend to climb up the ladder for sure.

But I've made a very cautious choice about the type of manager I want to become.

I want to be a sales leader not just a sales boss.

What are the differences between the two? Well, sales leaders know their success flows from helping their people become the best version of themselves.

Sales Bosses aim at making all their sellers into clones of the "top performer" they try to fit the square peg into a round hole with their processes.

It's more like the difference between a "coach" and a "mentor"

So why did I turn down the opportunity? Because I knew that I wouldn't be the type of leader I wanted to be.

I've been super focussed on honing my sales skill and getting creative with it. And, I understand that this is a never ending journey.

James Buckley hates it when I say I'm too young to take up the responsibility.

But if you look around, the best managers:

don't put process first but people
don't coach deals but people
don't train techniques but develop capabilities
don't give orders but coach problem-solving
isn't a risk avoider but risk taker
doesn't inspire anxiety but inspires change

Now am I ready for all the above? I'm getting there, just not yet!

And I'll openly admit it 😊

If you're on the managerial journey ask yourself if you're ready. Because it can't just be a good deal for you, it has to be for your people too.

Kudos to all the young managers that are rocking out there!