Too many people want to be managers without realizing what it takes to be a good one. They think that they can continue to do what they do while having others reporting to them. They get higher pay and more prestige. But they are managers in name only. They are still doing their old job, but with a new title and higher pay. That isn't being a manager.

I teach a Project Management course. I tell my students that it is your job to get others to complete tasks and activities. You do not do this yourself. The same is true of the everyday manager. He / she is to motivate their people to get things done, while removing the roadblocks that get in their way.

As a manager I told my people that they were responsible for themselves. But I was responsible for each of them and what they did. I kept them from doing worthless things like attending pointless meetings so they could focus on getting things done. If I went to a meeting that needed their attention I brought them into the picture. Otherwise, I didn't bother them with nonsense.

Some people are not cut out to be managers. They should be the best at what they do (Engineering, accounting, marketing or whatever). Just because you can do it doesn't mean you can manage it. And you can have a great career without becoming a manager.