Earlier this year, a role opened on my team for an Instructional Design Manager. Here’s why I chose NOT to apply.
Because people management and program management are very different.
The open ID Manager role was for the people manager position on my team. They do performance reviews, develop their teams’ skills, and resolve conflicts. For three year I was a Head of Department at an international school managing a team of 15 faculty members, so I’ve given this pathway a try, but for right now it didn’t seem like the best fit.
I like being in the trenches doing the work.
When I think about the type of work and tasks I enjoy, it’s clear my path forward is program management. I own CSG Credentials, our digital credentialing program. It’s a leadership opportunity while also maintaining my status as an individual contributor. As a Scrum coach I make everyone’s work visible, but it’s not my job to evaluate that work; just to help move things along.
Program management is about execution and delivery. There are less meetings and more time with my head down making progress on the program goals.
I’ve spent the last few years working towards my PMP and Scrum Master certification. If I wanted to be a people leader, I would have focused professional development more on those leadership skills instead.
It may seem strange that an ambitious person such as myself would choose not to put their name forward for a promotion, but this was me getting really clear about what I want. It’s ok to be discerning and turn down some opportunities if they are not the right fit. And the opportunity for a promotion to L&D Program Manager came along shortly after, so I know I made the right choice.
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