Managers are very important in any business or company, and many often strive to achieve this role throughout their tenure. Some can manage multiple teams, while others manage individual contractors. Some who reach this role are able to move to more senior roles after building experience and showing results with their teams. However, some cannot go beyond their managerial role even after years of being in the position and are passed over by their team for better positions.
Why does this happen? Here are some of the reasons why managers tend to find themselves stuck and suffer through a midlife career crisis:
#1 They Are Unable To Scale Themselves
If you are in a slump, you may think you are doing nothing wrong as you manage your team through projects at first glance. However, if you take a closer look, you will notice that you are working overtime and even through times when you should be resting, like during the holidays or weekends. You may also notice that you are micromanaging everything, and your team isn’t as well-oiled a machine as you think it is. Your team is also unable to work without your guidance, and they are not trained to handle the tasks they are given.
As a manager who wishes to succeed in the position and be noticed, you must determine which team members can handle specific tasks and let them hold them. If they do not have the skills or experience in these tasks, it is up to you to train them and guide them as they try to complete the tasks you provided. You should also be well aware of your team’s limits and ensure they are not overwhelmed by the amount of work you give them.
#2 They Are Unable To Grow Outside Their Team
Another sign you may be in a slump as a manager and going through a midlife career crisis is if you cannot look past your current team. For instance, you cannot highlight your team’s achievements and update your manager on any decisions you make. You also complain a lot about processes, but you don’t exactly help with fixing them. People also see you as unprofessional, especially during meetings or when your managerial role should be focused.
As a manager, you need to show you are 100% proud of your team and are on top of everything. You should also be proactive in finding solutions to key problems and be okay with letting people know you need help if a task is not easy. This proactive approach will make you feel in charge and ready to tackle any challenge. You must also be professional during key events, as this shows you are a professional manager.
#3 They Can’t Manage Others
While you may have a great team and have managed them, you can still be stuck in your role if you cannot manage your peers. You may find this a problem you can’t quickly solve for many reasons. You may not be bonding with your peers that often, which is crucial if you want them to respect you and be open to working with you. You also do not have a clear strategy or vision for the team, which can affect the team’s future and how they would see your leadership. Finally, people don’t see you as someone they can report to because they see you as an incompetent manager or someone unskilled to be one.
To grow out of this role and improve, you need to get to know your peers and build a strong peer relationship with them. You should also look into volunteering to lead projects and events outside your current team, especially if you are familiar with the tasks. Another great move you can make is revising your managerial strategy and image. This could mean setting clear goals for the team, communicating these goals effectively, and being open to feedback and change.
Getting stuck in a midlife career crisis as a manager can be tricky to navigate out of. But, if you have noticed you are in a slump, note your strengths and weaknesses and don’t hesitate to ask your team for their insights. This self-assessment and feedback-seeking process empowers you to take control of your career progression. Once you have all the information you need to determine the best course of action to take, plan accordingly and take the necessary steps, you will see a difference in your managerial style and earn the approval of your team once you apply these steps.
I have built plenty of successful teams. Check out these articles to help you:
Excellent Habits of High Performing Teams
Encourage Your Team to Learn New Things
How to Delegate Work to Your Team
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