Before throwing your hat in the ring for a leadership role, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the old saying: “Be careful what you wish for.”
On the surface, there’s plenty to like — an increase in salary, the chance to influence strategy, and the status of leading a team. But beneath the shiny surface lie a few bear traps that can take you by surprise.
I say this as someone who’s seen both sides — the bright and the dark — of management life.
1. Managing former peers changes everything
If you’re going for an internal promotion, be aware that the dynamic will shift the moment you become “the boss.” You’ll stop being “one of us” and start being “one of them” — whether you like it or not.
Managing performance means difficult conversations are inevitable. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable feedback; other times it’s formal processes that no one enjoys. It’s stressful and emotionally draining.
You’ll also need to find trusted peers — inside or outside the organisation — who understand the pressures and can offer support. And get used to discretion: there will be things you know that you simply can’t share with your team.
2. So much depends on your line manager
This one’s huge. What are they like? Do you know them already? How are they regarded by others — good egg or egotist?
Your line manager will make or break your experience. If they’ve got your back, encourage you, and stretch you, you’ll flourish. If not, the job will feel ten times harder. Remember, poor management is the number one reason people leave their roles.
Do a bit of homework: has staff turnover been high? Why has the vacancy come up? What happened to the last postholder? These small clues can tell you a lot.
3. Do you actually like people?
Because if you don’t, leadership will test your patience — and possibly your sanity. You’ll need empathy, strong listening skills and the ability to read what’s not being said. Getting the best out of people means understanding their quirks, motivations, and moods.
Early on in my career, I complained to my line manager that if it wasn’t for the people, I could get the job done. She looked at me and said, “Anne, the people are the job.” She was right. People will cause you more stress than anything else — and unless you’re a psychopath, you’ll lose sleep over them.
4. It’s uncomfortable — and it should be
You’ll need a thick skin while still being sensitive to others. You’ll have to say “no” more often, project confidence when you don’t feel it, and keep certain opinions to yourself. There’s an element of performance to leadership — and it can feel like acting at times. You’ll also need to make unpopular decisions, and that’s never easy.
5. Defend and support your team
Part of your job is to go into bat for your team — sometimes against other managers or senior leaders. Those conversations can be tough, and you’ll need to stand your ground. You may also find yourself mediating between team members when relationships get tricky. At times, you’ll want to slap people for being idiots (don’t, obviously). But the frustration is real.
6. Management is not a popularity contest
If you crave being liked, leadership might not be for you. Some team members will be great — supportive, collaborative, and appreciative. Others will grumble, undermine, or quietly believe they could do your job better. Interestingly, those individuals never apply for management roles themselves; they prefer to carp from the side lines.
You’ll learn to balance freedom and accountability — giving people enough rope to work independently without letting standards slip. It can feel like herding cats. The temptation to micromanage will be strong. Resist it.
7. There’s a reason managers are paid more
I call it danger money. You’ll work longer hours, shoulder more stress, and live in that awkward “squeezed middle” between senior leadership and your team. Sometimes you’ll please neither. But that’s the deal.
So, should you go for it?
If you’ve read all this and still feel undeterred — good for you. Leadership can be incredibly rewarding. It will stretch you, toughen you, and develop skills you never knew you had.
You can read every management book going, but the truth is simple: managers aren’t born. You only learn how to manage by doing it — and doing it your way.
Next week
Next week’s post will include wisdom and advice from seasoned professionals- those who’ve been around the block and who have ‘done time’ in their leadership roles.