How to grow your career without managing people
Leading doesn’t equal people management
We don’t always get a chance to or want to line manage. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get ahead. Here are our top tips on how to grow your career without managing people.
In traditional workplace structures, career progression is often synonymous with climbing the management ladder. Promotions and higher salaries are typically associated with increasing levels of responsibility, which usually involve supervising and managing a team. Can this approach limit those whose strengths and passions lie outside of people management?
There are several reasons why we might not have the opportunity to manage:
Nature of the industry: certain fields, like research, writing, or technical roles, often involve more solo work than people management.
Personal preference: not everyone is inclined to manage others. Some of us find more satisfaction and productivity in individual contributions rather than team leadership.
Organisational structure: in some workplaces, there are fewer opportunities for management roles, making it harder for those interested to get a chance.
For those who do not wish to manage people or simply can’t secure the opportunity just yet, but still want to progress, here are some alternative paths:
1. Find Opportunities to mentor
We won’t miss out on an opportunity to talk about the benefits of mentoring! It is a powerful way to develop leadership skills without formal management responsibilities. By mentoring, you can share your expertise, guide less experienced colleagues, and gain recognition for your knowledge and contributions. Mentoring also helps you build strong professional relationships, which can lead to new opportunities and career growth.
2. Embrace going solo
If you're highly skilled in your field and simply don’t want to manage, consider going solo as a freelancer or consultant. This path allows you to leverage your expertise independently, often with the potential for higher earnings and more control over your work. As a freelancer, you can take on diverse projects, build a strong portfolio, and establish yourself as a leading expert without managing a team.
3. Move to a different organisation with more responsibility and projects
Sometimes, advancing your career requires a change of scenery. Seek out organisations that value individual contributions and offer roles with greater responsibility and interesting projects. By moving to an organisation with a culture that aligns with your career goals, you can find positions that offer advancement and higher pay without the need for people management.
4. Acquire new skills
Continuing to learn and develop new skills is essential for career progression. Pursue relevant qualifications, attend workshops, and engage in professional development courses relevant to your field. Specialising in a high-demand area can make you an indispensable asset, paving the way for promotions and pay raises based on your expertise and capabilities.
5. Take on project management
Project management offers an excellent alternative to people management. It allows you to lead and coordinate projects, manage resources, and achieve goals without directly supervising a team. Effective project managers are highly valued for their ability to deliver results and relationship management making it a viable path for career advancement and increased salary.
Remember, deciding not to manage people is a valid and respectable career choice. By focusing on your strengths and exploring alternative paths to progression, you can achieve success and fulfillment in your professional life.
By leveraging your unique skills and finding the right opportunities, you can still achieve the career growth and recognition you deserve without compromising your personal work style.
