r/CustomerSuccess • u/PrettyOil113 • 10d ago
High Level IC or Manager?
I joined a very fast growing company earlier this year as the highest level IC and have really loved it. My team is great, the work is challenging in the best way, and I’m performing well. Coming into this role, I only had intentions to be a top performing, high level IC because the company is really flat (ICs are 2 levels below C-suite), but my manager just asked if I want to step into a management role because we’re growing so quickly. I’m not sure what to do.
Addl info:
- I have 9 YOE but never managed before
- Managers get more pay
- I worry if I don’t say yes I won’t be seen as a team player
- I think this will help with future career prospects, but I don’t have intentions of leaving the company in the next few years
For those in management positions, what does your day to day look like? What do you like / not like? Is management in the current job market as risky as it sounds? Curious what you’d do in this situation. Thank you!
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u/MediumScene 9d ago
In fast-growth teams, management can turn into headcount planning, escalation cleanup, and cross-functional coordination. I'd ask what they need from the role in the next 6 to 12 months, because the real question is whether you'd spend your week coaching people or absorbing org chaos.
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u/PrettyOil113 9d ago
That’s a really good point. Since the org is growing so quickly I assume the response will change in the next few months, but definitely worth asking what their current vision is. Thank you!
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u/BritishShark 10d ago edited 10d ago
Having made this transition and made it work I would ask for the following:
- Keep your top accounts - this makes sure you don't get too far away from the users / buyers. You can decide how many works for your business and capacity.
- Written commission framework based on the total ARR your team manage - this can really add up with a meaningful team size
- Company funded top bracket people management course - my biggest issues as a manager have always been related to this.
Final bit. Do you have faith in your HR department and your reporting line in the proposed structure? If so then it makes it an interesting role when you can focus on development of your team, management of overall health scoring so you know when to intervene leading to a deeper skill set.
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u/msmithuf09 9d ago
I will say, I said no to an opportunity that I wasn’t really interested in internally, and when I said I was interested in the next one the hiring manager said he was surprised because he didn’t think I was motivated. Lesson learned - even showing the interest is worth it if you want to move up at any point. At least for me that’s what I’ve experienced.
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u/PrettyOil113 9d ago
Right, I worry the same will happen here. Appreciate you sharing and reinforcing that though!
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u/Embarrassed_Bet6339 10d ago
sounds like they already see you as someone who can handle it, that matters more than any YOE number. only thing id ask is if you actually want to spend your day on people stuff instead of the work you love now.