Summary
In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses a common concern among professionals: lack of career growth if they opt-out of management roles. She emphasizes that career growth is possible without managing people, debunking the myth that management is the only path to advancement. The discussion includes insights on organizational structures, the importance of management skills for individual contributors, and resources for further career development. Christa encourages self-awareness and understanding of one's strengths to navigate career paths effectively.
Key Takeaways
• Your career can and will grow even if you don't want to manage people.
• Management is not the only path to career growth.
• Not all career growth requires you to have direct line employees.
• Management skills are essential for effective collaboration, even for non-managers.
• Self-awareness is crucial in determining your career path.
• You can be a subject matter expert and still grow your career without managing people.
• Indirect management can present its own challenges and requires effective management skills.
Additional Resources
Korn, J. (2025, February 25). How to grow in your career if you don’t want to manage people. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliakorn/2025/02/25/how-to-grow-in-your-career-if-you-dont-want-to-manage-people/
Kreamer, A. (2012, December 13). What If You Don’t Want to Be a Manager? https://hbr.org/2012/12/what-if-you-dont-want-to-be-a
Stepping down as a manager. (2023, January 23). Ambits. https://www.ambits.eu/insights/stepping-down-as-a-manager
Svanström, J., Lindberg, M., Lindberg, M., & Skytt, B. (2025). Thoughts on and motives for leaving the First‐Line Manager position: A Qualitative study. Journal of Nursing Management, 2025(1). https://doi.org/10.1155/jonm/9906205
Video Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:17 Listener Question
01:25 The Myth of Management: Direct-Direct Reports No Longer Exist…
06:01 You Will Be a Manager Whether You’re a Manager or Not…
08:02 So Learn Management Skills Even If You Don’t Want to Be a Manager (you’ll manage someone)
09:43 Additional Resources
11:51 Wrap Up and Submitting Your Question
12:20 Booking and Contact Information
Keywords
career growth, management roles, organizational structure, individual contributor, professional development, management skills, workplace issues, project management, career paths, self-awareness
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Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate, reliable, and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while seeking additional professional advice when needed.
As such, the content of this podcast does not constitute legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for guidance from qualified professionals who can consider your specific circumstances. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.
