Job Seekers Hub | Is It Time To Step Into Management?

Feb 22, 2023

Daniel Hale

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Is it time to step into management?

    Steve Jobs summed it up when he spoke about the best Managers he’d seen at Apple;

    “They’re the great individual contributors who never, ever want to be a manager, but decide they want to be a manager, because no one else is going to be able to do as good a job as them,”

    Plenty of people are happy remaining in an IC role, and that’s fine, but for those that want to take the leap, the question is, how do you know if you will become a good manager, and where do you start anyway?

    In the words of Marissa Levin – “Being a manager can be a lonely job. You’re expected to be a problem solver, a decision maker, and a motivator, all while keeping your own emotions in check.”

    The first thing to ask yourself is, do you get a kick out of coaching and mentoring people? Maybe you’ve helped to mentor an SDR, and, aside from the obvious benefits of them performing well, you actually got a kick out of seeing them develop and grow. A certain satisfaction that you have influenced and shaped their sales process, self-confidence and ultimately, their results. If the answer is “yes” to that question, then you have a very solid start.

    Next, ask yourself if you really want the added responsibility with the pressure that goes hand in hand with that. In the good times, management can be exhilarating, but when a team is underperforming and there is low morale, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, and you have to lead the way to turn things around.

    Leadership isn’t for everyone, and sometimes the best ICs make the worst leaders. Having said that, there are plenty of companies that will promote internally first but will also hire candidates looking to step up from an IC role into a leadership role, especially start-ups.

    So, if this resonates with you, look out for the Team Lead roles which offer the opportunity to “step up” into the role – you might be surprised at how many there are.

     

    READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR CAREER?

    Explore a vast array of IT, sales, and marketing roles spanning across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the wider Australia and Asia-Pacific and the United States regions. With Pulse Recruitment, you’ll find positions that resonate with your skills and ambitions. Embark on a transformative career journey and submit your resume of LinkedIn profile today!

    FROM OUR PULSE NEWS, EMPLOYER AND JOB SEEKER HUBS

    Featured Articles

    Is Cybersecurity Right for You?

    In an increasingly digital world, where data breaches make headlines and sophisticated cyberattacks threaten businesses and individuals alike, cybersecurity has emerged as one of the most critical and in-demand fields globally. It’s a dynamic, ever-evolving domain at the forefront of technology, offering intellectual challenge, continuous learning, and the profound satisfaction of protecting what matters. But…
    ANZ Cyber Talent: Your Key to Defense

    Cybercrime is no longer a looming future concern—it’s a stark and undeniable daily reality that impacts every sector, every organization, and every individual. From the high-profile, devastating data breaches that make international headlines to the insidious, costly business disruptions that chip away at profits and trust, the pressure on Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) organizations…
    How to Future Proof Your Cyber Team

    In the high-stakes world of cybersecurity, the only constant is change. What was a cutting-edge defense yesterday can become a vulnerable target tomorrow. New attack vectors emerge with alarming speed, sophisticated adversaries leverage AI and automation, and the digital perimeter expands endlessly with cloud adoption and IoT proliferation. In this environment, a static cybersecurity team…
    How to Pivot into Cyber Sales

    The digital realm is in a constant state of flux, driven by relentless innovation and unfortunately, ever-escalating cyber threats. From sophisticated ransomware attacks targeting global enterprises to nation-state actors engaging in cyber espionage, the need for robust cybersecurity solutions has never been more critical. This pervasive threat landscape has transformed cybersecurity from a niche IT…
    How to Grow a Sales Network

    In the high-stakes arena of sales, particularly in complex B2B environments, success extends far beyond a compelling pitch or a perfectly memorized product sheet. While product knowledge and closing skills are undoubtedly crucial, an often-underestimated, yet incredibly powerful, asset for any sales professional is their network. A robust sales network isn’t just a collection of…
    How Do You Get Started in SaaS Sales?

    The technology landscape is increasingly dominated by Software as a Service (SaaS). From the everyday apps on your phone to the complex enterprise solutions powering global businesses, SaaS is everywhere. This explosive growth has created a parallel boom in demand for a specific type of professional: the SaaS sales expert. Unlike traditional product sales, SaaS…
    Where Are Your Tech Sales Hiring Gaps?

    In the hyper-competitive world of technology, a robust and effective sales team is the lifeblood of any successful company. These aren’t just order-takers; they are strategic thinkers, relationship builders, and technical communicators who drive revenue, foster customer loyalty, and expand market share. Yet, for many organizations, the process of hiring these crucial tech sales professionals…
    What’s missing in your tech sales team?

    In the dynamic and hyper-competitive world of technology, a high-performing sales team isn’t just a luxury; it’s the lifeline of your business. They are the frontline evangelists, the revenue generators, and the critical link between your innovative products and the market. Yet, for many tech companies, despite having great products and dedicated individuals, the sales…
    Top Cyber Skills in Demand in 2025

    The digital world is expanding at an unprecedented pace, bringing with it innovation, connectivity, and unfortunately, an escalating tide of cyber threats. From sophisticated ransomware gangs leveraging AI to nation-state actors targeting critical infrastructure, the adversaries are becoming more agile, their methods more advanced, and the stakes higher than ever. In this dynamic environment, the…
    Missed Quota? That’s Not A Dealbreaker

    A recent interview process revealed something important about how hiring managers assess quota performance — and it wasn’t just about the numbers. An Account Executive was recently passed over for a role. On paper, the candidate had a solid track record, though a few years showed missed targets. During the interview, the hiring manager asked…

    Visit our blog page