Are those the only 2 options?

We often get asked the same question, though it could come in different flavors.

• Do you want to be a people leader? Or a thought leader?
• Do you want to develop a team? Or innovate in a platform?
• Do you want the manager track? Or the principle track?

Are our careers all really that binary? Is it really just a this or that decision? No, of course not. In a way, you could imagine it more similar to introversion versus extraversion. Individuals behave on a range of this scale and can also behave differently in different situations. But at the root is the question of what gives them energy. An extravert gets their energy from other people but can also enjoy getting away from the crowd. Similarly, you probably know an introvert who talks to people.

As you think of your career, ask yourself what brings you energy. Use this answer as the basis of the above. Have the conversation with your manager. Don't become a people leader just because it's what you see happening to those around you. It will be an unhappy outcome for you and will hurt those for whom you become responsible. But also, don't fret if you're having a hard time choosing. Almost every role will likely require some combination of both, so you won't be swearing one track off for good.

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