To become or not to become a manager?

You've been working hard, showing up, delivering results, and now—it's happening. You just got offered a promotion! At first, it feels exhilarating. Recognition. A step up. But before you know it, something shifts inside you. The excitement fades, replaced by a creeping uncertainty:

"What if I don't have what it takes and fail?" 

"What if I'm not ready?" 

"What if I let people down?" 

"What if I let myself down?" 

"What if this, what if that…"

The fear beneath the excitement

Promotions don't just bring better pay and benefits or social recognition. All those things tend to fill our minds effortlessly until we realize promotions to leadership roles bring responsibility, pressure, and the expectation to lead.

It's flattering to be seen as capable, but it's also terrifying to imagine falling short. Because let's be honest—no one wants to fail in front of their peers, their team, or the entire company. No one wants to end up with the label: "doesn't have what it takes." 

Let me bring up a comforting thought: when offered a promotion, nobody is sure they have what it takes. Giant egos don't count as they get smaller and smaller along the way.

Why we fear stepping up

There are a few common reasons why even high performers hesitate when given a leadership opportunity:

1. Imposter syndrome: You might feel that you're not as skilled as people think you are and that, eventually, they'll find out. You know what? That's true. Leadership is a skill yet to be conquered. You don't have it, and they already know that. Besides, one of my favorite quotes from Rich Litvin, a coach for ultra-successful people, is, "If you don't have imposter syndrome, you're not playing big enough." Now, read that again.     

    

2. Fear of failure: What if you take the role and make mistakes? What if you can't handle the pressure?
   • Leadership comes with challenges, but failure is rarely an all-or-nothing outcome. Even the best leaders make mistakes, but they learn, adapt, and improve.
   • The truth is that mistakes will happen. The question isn't whether you'll make them but whether you're willing to learn from them.
   • Instead of seeing failure as a possibility, see it as an inevitable step in the leadership journey. The best leaders have all failed, often multiple times. What makes them great is that they keep going.  

      

3. Increased visibility: More responsibility means more people watching, more expectations, and more at stake.
   • With a promotion, you become more visible. Your decisions impact more people, and you're under greater scrutiny. But consider this: visibility also means more significant influence, more opportunities, and the ability to make a real impact.
   • If you're worried about being judged, remember that leadership isn't about having all the answers but more about asking the right questions and making thoughtful decisions.
   • Confidence comes from action. The more you engage in leadership activities, the more comfortable you become being in the spotlight.  

      

4. Uncertainty about the future: Will this new role make you happier, or will it just bring more stress? What if it's not the right move?
   • Before making a decision, think long-term. Does this role align with where you want to go in your career?
   • If the promotion only brings extra responsibility without additional benefits (financial, learning, career progression), then reconsider. Leadership should be a step toward growth, not a trap of more work for the same rewards.
   • Also, take into account your personal life. If you're going through personal challenges that take away much of your energy and focus, now might not be the right time. Timing matters.  

      

5. Comfort zone attachment: Your current role is safe and familiar. Why disrupt that?
   • Staying in your comfort zone feels good at the moment, but stagnation rarely leads to long-term satisfaction.
   • However, if your goal is to be the best specialist or expert in your field rather than moving into management, that's a legitimate and valuable career choice. Leadership isn't for everyone, and that's okay.

You're not alone in feeling this way. The real question isn't "Do I have doubts?" but "How do I manage them?"

Making the decision: a different perspective

Here's a truth about growth: It's uncomfortable. But discomfort doesn't mean danger—it means opportunity.

Think about a time when you did something that initially scared you. Maybe it was your first public presentation, a tough conversation with your boss, or even taking on a challenging project. Now, looking back, was it really as terrifying as you thought? Or did you grow from the experience?

A promotion is another step in that same journey. It's natural to feel nervous, but nerves don't mean you're incapable. They tell you care.

Instead of focusing on the fear of failing, try shifting your mindset:

• What if you succeed? Imagine yourself thriving in the role, learning, and leading effectively.
• What if this is your moment? Sometimes, the best opportunities come when we feel unprepared—but that doesn't mean we aren't ready.
• What if this is the challenge you need to unlock your full potential? Growth happens when we stretch beyond what's comfortable. 

   

The reality of leadership

Leadership isn't about knowing everything on day one. In fact, no one expects you to be perfect - ever - but they expect you to be committed.

It's about being willing to learn, adapt, and navigate challenges as they come.

It's about shifting from "me" to "we".

It's about your team really following you, not counting strangers that click "follow" on your socials.  

If self-doubt is holding you back, remind yourself:

• Your company wouldn't offer you the role if they didn't believe in you.
• Many great leaders started out feeling precisely like you do now.
• You will grow into the role just as you've grown in every role before this one.

Final thoughts

Promotions don't come knocking every day. If you've been offered one, it means someone sees something in you—something worth investing in.

So, unless you have a solid reason not to take it, solid enough that you won't regret it, challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone, and be scared, but do it anyway!

Watch this short video: Should you accept a promotion to be a new manager?

ACTION STEP: 

here are some questions that can help you with your decision:

1. Why was I offered this promotion? – What skills, achievements, and leadership qualities did my company recognize in me?
2. Am I genuinely excited about the new role, or do I feel obligated to accept it? – Am I saying yes because I want to or because I feel like I should?
3. What are my biggest fears about this promotion, and are they based on facts or assumptions? – Am I truly unprepared, or am I just uncomfortable with stepping into the unknown?
4. Does this role align with my long-term career vision? – Will it take me closer to where I want to be in 3-5 years?
5. Will this position allow me to develop the skills and experience I want to build? – Or would I rather deepen my expertise in a specialist role?
6. What impact will this promotion have on my life and overall well-being? – Will it demand significantly more time, stress, or energy, and am I prepared for that?
7. Are there any personal circumstances (family, health, personal goals) that make this the wrong time for a promotion? – Is this the right season in my life for more responsibility?
8. Does this promotion come with clear benefits (salary increase, growth opportunities, decision-making power)? – Or is it just extra responsibility without adequate rewards?
9. Have I fully understood the expectations, challenges, and support available in this role? – Have I asked my employer about training, mentorship, or resources to help me succeed?
10. If I say no to this promotion, will I regret it a year from now? – Will I look back and wish I had stepped up, or will I feel confident in my choice?