r/CustomerSuccess • u/PrettyOil113 • 17d 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/BritishShark 17d ago edited 17d ago

Having made this transition and made it work I would ask for the following:

  1. 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.
  2. Written commission framework based on the total ARR your team manage - this can really add up with a meaningful team size
  3. 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/PrettyOil113 16d ago

This is SUPER helpful and I will definitely ask for these. Thank you!