Is Management Right For You?

Episode Summary

At some point in your career, you’ll probably ask yourself: Should I go into management? It’s a question many professionals face, especially those who are high performers in their current roles. In this episode of The Glass Sessions, we (Courtney and Lauren) talk candidly about the realities of people management - what it is, what it isn’t, and how to know if it’s the right fit for you.

Our Path into Management

We’ve each been leading teams for over a decade now. Our journey into management started by building teams from scratch, something not everyone gets to do. That experience shaped how we lead and gave us the unique advantage of hiring people we believed in from the start. But most new managers inherit teams and walk into systems that already exist. That requires a different kind of leadership - one that balances change with trust.

What Managers Actually Do

Spoiler alert: management isn’t just telling people what to do. It’s a mix of strategic meetings, performance conversations, hiring decisions, and cross-functional coordination, often with less hands-on work than you might be used to. The role changes depending on your organization, your team size, and even the season. That’s why it’s important to understand the full scope of what management could entail before assuming it’s your next best step.

Where New Managers Get Stuck

One of the biggest pitfalls? Trying to do all the work yourself. It’s a common trap - we’ve seen new managers fall into “fix-it” mode instead of empowering their team. Another one? Skipping regular one-on-ones. Trust us: those conversations are where leadership actually happens. They build connection, alignment, and prevent bigger issues down the road.

If you’re considering management, it’s essential to start thinking about how you’d set boundaries, delegate, and prioritize team development - not just task execution.

You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader

Here’s something we both deeply believe: leadership starts long before you get a management title. It shows up in how you collaborate, how you help others onboard, and how you connect your work to the bigger picture. We highlight the importance of storytelling and how helping your team understand why something matters is one of the most powerful (and underrated) leadership tools.

So if you’re already stepping up in your role and influencing outcomes, you may already be leading.

Be Honest with Yourself

Don’t go into management just because it seems like the “next step” or because of the title. Some of the most successful people we’ve worked with chose to deepen their expertise rather than move into management - and they’re thriving. Before making the leap, ask yourself: What energizes me at work? Do I enjoy helping others grow? Am I ready to shift from doing to enabling?

Final Thoughts

Management can be a deeply rewarding career move but only if it aligns with who you are and how you want to grow. We created this episode to give you the real talk we wish we’d heard earlier in our careers.

If you’re in the middle of this decision, or just starting to think about it, this conversation is for you. And if you're looking for tools and support to grow in your current role or prepare for leadership, contact us. We’re here to help you lead from wherever you are.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of “Is Management Right For You?” on The Glass Sessions wherever you get your podcasts.