Is It Okay to Not Want to Manage People? episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 25, 2025 · 8 MIN

Is It Okay to Not Want to Manage People?

from The Leader You’re Becoming · host Maryam Taheri

Not everyone dreams of running 1:1s, giving feedback, or mediating team drama — and that’s perfectly okay. In this episode of Leadership, Actually, we unpack why management isn’t the only path to leadership, how organizations get it wrong by forcing high performers into people-management roles, and what it really means to grow without a team reporting to you.You’ll hear:Why leadership ≠ management (and the big difference between the two)Real-world examples of “reluctant managers” vs. “natural managers”Helpful vs. unhelpful ways to talk about career growth without people managementHow to reframe ambition when headcount isn’t your thing✨ Lead Better 1:1s, Team Meetings & More with these FREEBIESPractical guides, toolkits, and resources for leading better meetings, holding better 1:1s and having hard conversations. 👉 Sign up here📊 FREE HR Layoff Crash CourseIn this free course, you'll discover step-by-step strategies to plan, communicate, and execute layoffs with professionalism and empathy. Self-paced and available 24/7.👉 Register here🌀 Lead Differently. Read Differently.Join This Isn’t a Leadership Book Club — a free, low-pressure community for curious, thoughtful leaders who believe the best leadership lessons come from unexpected stories.You’ll get a curated reading list, reflection prompts, and invites to quarterly conversations designed to help you lead with more clarity, care, and intention.👉 [Join the Book Club Here]✨ Lead Like YouA three-month private coaching experience that helps leaders uncover their authentic leadership style, build confidence, and navigate challenges with clarity and intention.Get an exclusive discount with the code PODCAST10 for 10% off👉 Start now

Not everyone dreams of running 1:1s, giving feedback, or mediating team drama — and that’s perfectly okay. In this episode of Leadership, Actually, we unpack why management isn’t the only path to leadership, how organizations get it wrong by forcing high performers into people-management roles, and what it really means to grow without a team reporting to you. You’ll hear: Why leadership ≠ management (and the big difference between the two)Real-world examples of “reluctant managers” vs. “natur...

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Is It Okay to Not Want to Manage People?

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This episode was published on August 25, 2025.

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Not everyone dreams of running 1:1s, giving feedback, or mediating team drama — and that’s perfectly okay. In this episode of Leadership, Actually, we unpack why management isn’t the only path to leadership, how organizations get it wrong by forcing...

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