Should you become a boss?

Many business professionals today aspire to become a boss. Many want this type of recognition for the increase in pay, status, or a better office. Unfortunately, these objectives will not make anyone a great leader. In fact, many bosses are fired within their first six months in their new job, and many others fail because their employees resent their lack of management finesse. Poor leadership abilities make it difficult for new bosses to get the job done.

Being the boss requires you have very good people and project management skills. Many business professionals don’t want to work that hard! Or, they’re fearful they may lose friends who were formerly co-workers. Alternatively, your new employees may veto your style when comparing you to their last boss. In those cases, it may be better for you to be a leader without the boss title.

Should you become a boss? It requires a new level of responsibilities, skills, and attitudes. If you are willing to make unpopular decisions, develop a commitment to all of your employees without bias, learn how to create and manage budgets, and facilitate projects in a global market with rigor while paying attention to details and motivating your team, then, yes, you should. (Remember, this list is not exhaustive!) Being a boss can have many rewards and is often required on your way up the ladder to the C-Suite.

Here are some prerequisites:

First, become clear if being a boss is the right career path for you. Career derailment can be hard to overcome in an interview, either for a different management job or as an independent contributor, after having been deemed a poor manager.

Second, hire a coach who has strengths in the specific areas where you need help. Take a qualified assessment to help you better understand your inherent strengths and weaknesses as a potential boss. A qualified 360-degree feedback tool can also enlighten the process of improving your skills.

Third, be willing to do the work in a manner that bodes well for your current employer, as well as your future opportunities. Remember, successful bosses put the success of the company and its employees first!

©Jeannette L. Seibly, 2013

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