# Work Assumptions of Formerly Capable Managers By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2024-06-15 When one rises through the ranks, the expectations that they are capable of or desire to any work fads. This is even more pronounced if one is rising through the ranks of a technical profession. Even if the organization has an individual contributor position that pays well and has a high organizational status, it is still expected that this person provides more guidance than actually doing any work. Additionally, these "principal" roles are more rare than executive positions. So, it seems unavoidable that one is expected to do less "real work"; thus, it is assumed that one is incapable of doing it. For many, this is a desired outcome, at least at first. Who wouldn't want to make more money and do less work? Alas, one eventually discovers that the "real work" has been replaced by "management work." This transition is often unwelcome as one realizes the joy of "real work" is meaningful. But, I take exception to the belief that those in these positions are perceived as unable to do the work. This blanket assumption likely does not universally hold. In many cases, they can do the work because it is often how they got into this mess. They did the job the best, so management put them in charge and gave them more money. There are many problems with this, but I think these individuals can do the work but are expected not to do it because they are assumed to be incapable of it. It's a management expectation that perpetuates far and wide, and it's a force to make one in such a position question their ability and purpose. This is the most insidious part of modern management: it attempts to force one to change their identity and purpose without explicitly stating it. It's a trick and it's a trap that no one tells you about. I suspect many would still pursue it if they knew, but knowing ahead means one has the agency to resist. [[Management in Quandary - A Critique of Organizational Power]] has much to say. #### Related Items [[Management]] [[Expectations]] [[Work]] [[Capability]] [[Purpose]] [[Meaning]] [[Assumptions]]