When people think about career advancement in today’s organizations, they typically envision getting promoted to supervise increasingly large teams of employees. But what if you want to take your career in a different direction and move from being a boss back to an individual contributor? What will hiring managers and your peers think about you?
You Can Stop Being a Manager Without Sinking Your Career
Sometimes you need to step back in order to move forward.
October 15, 2021
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Summary.
In this period of pandemic-inspired career reevaluation, you may find yourself wishing you didn’t have to manage people but worrying what leaving a leadership role will mean for you professionally. The author offers four strategies for how to demonstrate to others — and yourself — that it’s not a step backward: 1) Remove your own limiting beliefs. 2) Don’t assume you have to demote yourself. 3) Show how you can lead without formally managing. 4) Ensure that the transition doesn’t impair your team.
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New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Career Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Career Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What's your next career move? Learn how to set yourself up for success.