At some phase of everyone’s career, this challenge for sure is going to popup! So how does one choose if he wants to be Technically challenged or explore Management aspects of any kind. In traditional industry, it is evident and easier to make this choice, since the path flows over a long period of time and by then you know what you want, rather you’re molded into a role; but how about IT industry;

I know a Director of Managed Services who has 8 years of experience, that’s it. I moved on from there or probably I’ll be holding that role, would it make me happy? I don’t think that’s gonna happen. Now there are again 2 views about this, if you work for a smaller organization such kind of promotions are possible? Well, the one I just mentioned is pretty big [name withheld for obvious reasons], if not as big as Cisco or Microsoft, it is just BIG.

I have seen a lot of guys around me who just want to get to be *Managers* despite the fact that they can’t even have two thought processes going along. The very idea of somebody else’s blazing ideas turns them down. It is difficult to decide if not as difficult as to whether you want to get married or not Personally the way I see it, Technical track offers better opportunity to grow (not in the ranks) but the elevation of thoughts when it comes to technical thoughts. Some one might argue as to the same is applicable to a Management candidate as well. Management doesn’t have any right/correct answers that stay! It doesn’t just depend on the problem in hand, in addition it depends on Timing, Industry, Competitor Processes, kind of project and finally you solve the issue which still can be turned wrong by anybody who passes by! Comparisons hold a greater value by its virtue in management decisions. How many times do you think that happens in Technical Problem solving??? There is either a correct or incorrect solutions. The word ‘better solution’ can be coined by proven examples.

This makes me feel great for Manager turned Leaders.

So the question is still open!