subject: Job Promotion - Just Say No! [print this page] Job Promotion - Just Say No! Job Promotion - Just Say No!
Things are going great. You are working hard, getting a lot done and everyone recognizes how valuable you have become to the team. In fact, unlike kickball at recess, people are actually requesting that you be on their team and work on their projects. Things are going great and, although you never thought it possible, work almost seems fun. You enjoy going to work.
Then it happens! You boss calls you in one day and tells you just how great you are doing. Clearly you are at the top of your game, everyone thinks so. The value you add is beyond measure and that is why your boss wants to promote you to Manager of your area. Wow, manager that's great, right? Well isn't it?
Manager, but I don't even like people.
While all the compliments and the confidence that you boss is showing in you will feel great, this could be a really big problem. Many times people will get promoted right out of the positions that they can be most successful at. If you don't like people, you probably aren't going to be a good manager no matter what your boss says. Usually unintentionally, your boss is actually setting you up to fail. He is moving you into a job that you won't be as successful at based on your performance at your current job. The best apple picker does not always make the best orchard manager.
But I can't say no.
Maybe you can't but you have to if you don't want the job. Even if the job pays more money, which it probably will, you will end up making yourself miserable by moving into a position simply because someone else thinks you would be good at it. It always comes back to control: are you in control of your career or is someone else controlling it for you? Even if it doesn't seem like you have a choice, if you are in control of your career you will know that you always have a choice.
Some things to try
If you like where you work and are enjoying your work, explain that to your boss. He obviously sees the value that you bring to the team so use that to your advantage. It's not like they are trying to get rid of you. Explain that you would like to keep your current job and ask for a raise to match the value that you are bringing to the team. You'll probably have to make a pretty strong case but provided your boss and company are reasonable, you should be able to work something out.
Maybe you can modify the job that you are being offered. Maybe change the job so that it is more of a lead position where you can still keep your hands in the mix while providing leadership to the rest of the team. This way you wouldn't have to deal with all of the HR stuff that comes with being a manager, could still do what you enjoy doing and gain some leadership experience as well.
