Just because you are good at executing a task, it doesn’t mean that you will be a good manager over a group of people completing that task. Executing and managing require different skill sets and even if you have the skills, you may not want to do or like to do some of the required tasks when in one position or the other.
Before making a switch from being in the field to going into management (or vice versa), you need to be honest with yourself if you understand the new position, if you want to take on those new roles/responsibilities, and if you’re capable of performing your role for the team.
First comes understanding. If your expectations of what the position entails don’t align with the reality, you are likely to be disappointed. Talk with those who have been in the position you are looking to move into to see if it is something you think you might like. Ask them detailed questions about what their day-to-day schedule looks like, what it takes to succeed at that position, and what is the best/worst part about what they do. You have to gain a better understanding of what is required of you in order to make the best possible decision to make the switch. If you’re making a major life change, you should try to do so with as many facts up front as you can.
After you talk with that person (or hopefully several people in the position you’re moving to), take time to consider if you will like those activities. Will you find them fulfilling? Will this new position provide a healthy challenge for you – one that is fun and exciting, but stresses you just enough to continue to grow? One of the most important questions that you can ask before accepting a new position is, “will I generally get fulfillment doing this everyday for the next X years of my life?” If the answer is yes (or mostly yes, as everyone has the occasional “bad day”), then move on to the third set of questions.
If you understand the job position and still want it, the last set of questions you must ask yourself revolves around “do you have what it takes to win at this position?” Keep in mind that winning is not only something that you have to define for yourself, but for the company as well. You may be happy with the work you’re doing, but is the company happy with your performance? Or they may be happy with your work, but you’re miserable. Both parties have to win for this to work in the long run. Can you prioritize the most important tasks for the day, week, month, or year and get them done on time (and on budget)? If you aren’t yet capable of performing to the standard that you and the company have defined, does your company provide training to get you there? If so, how much time/grace period will they allow for you to improve your performance to the required level? If you are mentally capable of performing the role, are your physically and emotionally capable of performing it? Can you physically complete any tasks the job requires? Are you able to handle the emotional highs and lows of the job? Do you let little things negatively affect you? If so, how can you build your resilience so you can have more good days and win at your job?
Lastly, it’s up to you to decide whether you fit best in the field or in management. If you are being offered the choice, you have to weigh the effects of not only a better paycheck, but also your happiness. Only you can choose what is right for you and your family. No matter what option you select, know that your job is important and that all great organizations need strong management and strong execution. Without both, the company is only as strong as its weakest link.