There is an article in my company’s news letter which says “Stars should stop and think before they shoot for the top”. The gist of the article is that management may be the ‘next natural step’ in climbing the ladder but are you sacrificing your professional path for more power and money. Not everyone enjoys politics and people management. There are alot of brilliant professionals out there who are not management material…It sounds like a choice between following your dreams or making more money. Which one is a wiser choice?
Re: Stars should stop and think...
Depends. On your line of work as well as personality. Personally, I find it hard to understand why folks are not going all the way on managerial tract and limiting themselves to just technical skills, but over the years I realize many people don't have what it takes to be a good manager, anyway. You just have to see what is the highest you can go, sticking solely to your technical positions; and whether that end point is what you'd be happy with. If you dream of ending up as a CEO, then you have to be a more multi-faceted professional, not just a technical guru.
Re: Stars should stop and think...
I wonder who doesn't want to enjoy the perks of a CEO. I don't know if it is a desi thing i.e. not sacrificing power and money for the sake of dreams. Like you mentioned, there are a lot of goray, especially in the fields of engineering and arts, who stick to their professional careers without having the desire to manage or grow in terms of position.
Re: Stars should stop and think...
Sometimes its not just a choice, but is actually forced down your throat. Not everyone has the skills. Or one can do an honest self-assessment and figure it out.
Re: Stars should stop and think...
90% of these traits are acquired. There is no formula.
Re: Stars should stop and think...
I agree with all of you except that people in Pakistan tend to overlook the charm of inner satisfaction and spiritual glory. I'm not saying they all do. But I'm afraid they tend to chase the glittering stuff. I know that in the west, people don't want to be a film hero or heroine, they are happy being a carpenter, a plumber. a mechanic or whatever they are. Whereas in Pakistan every other guy or girl wants to be a model or actor/actoress. How low can we really go?
Re: Stars should stop and think...
Managerial posts are good at some stage in life, but they can kill creativity in most circumstances, as managers just are there to assure delivery of projects. They do not have some creative work to do. They just select some good creative persons, pass work and time-deadlines and then pass it back to the person/boss.
On the other hand dedicated and keen persons like me will die very soon, if they can't learn, code or design any more.
(IT considerations only)