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chef profile picture

chef

Manager, Enterprise Sales

Fire Starter
Contributor
Good Citizen

Sales Leadership back to IC

I've been managing a sales team for the last year and a half. I've learned a ton but I miss selling and feel like my energy has been low recently. thinking about moving back to IC for a while. What are people's thoughts on the career path from IC to Leadership to IC (and maybe back to leadership some day)?
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16

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oldcloser
Arsonist
7
💀
100% doable. No rules here. Climb back onto the leadership train when you’re good and ready. I’ve done this round trip a few times.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
Exactly. You aren't hurting yourself here.
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
1
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
You’d be surprised how often it happens. Leadership is the first to get cut if numbers of the team are missed over a couple of quarters. Individual sales people can last longer as long as they still generate >60% of quota (think new logos).
Gasty
Notable Contributor
6
War Room Community Manager
A drop in energy levels is as good a reason as any to take the load of others off your shoulders. Life’s short; spending it being dull half the time would do no good. Go for the IC role by all means.
oldcloser
Arsonist
1
💀
Yep, would be the call. Can vouch.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
5
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
If that is what you want to do, then do it. I’ve known others to move back to IC for the same reason.
pirate
Big Shot
3
🦜☠️ Account Executive
Rather be a great IC than demotivated sales manager. Your demotivation doesn't affect others then
Diablo
Politicker
2
Sr. AE
Hell yeah, go grab it. Do what’s keep you motivated, happy and get going.
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
2
Bravado's Resident Asshole
I've done the same thing in other arenas, Crush the IC role and then when you feel like you want to slow down and take a break, go back to leadership.
braintank
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
I moved from front line manager back to IC and it worked out fine
RandyLahey
Politicker
1
Account Executive
This hits close to home, as in my last role, my manager was newly promoted at a young age, due to her sterling character and achievements.
Sadly, though she had great skills, she got burnt out and ultimately moved out of sales entirely.
My point here is that if you feel that creep, address it as soon as possible.
Though she did her best, our team's collective performance also lagged as a result of her burn out.
SoccerandSales
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
Definitely doable. You likely have seen what makes reps successful (or not) and can leverage that as you get back in the game. Best of luck!
Revenue_Rambo
Politicker
1
Director, Revenue Enablement
Everybody wins in your scenario.
You get to make the money without the headaches of people management and general bureaucracy.
Your team gets to tap into your experience and knowledge.
Your manager/leader gets a player coach that can influence the team as a peer.
chef
Fire Starter
0
Manager, Enterprise Sales
You mean if I stay at the same company?
Revenue_Rambo
Politicker
1
Director, Revenue Enablement
No not necessarily.
You don't have to have the title to be a leader. @oldcloser just moved back to IC and is kicking ass.
At the end of the day, do what you're passionate about and enjoy doing. If that's selling as an IC, then make the move.
As for staying at the same company that's of course possible, but not always an easy transition. Though, if you move back to IC you can all but guarantee you'll need to move companies to get another leadership role.
CPTAmerica
Opinionated
0
President/CRO
Leadership is not what most think it is. It takes a lot to get good at leading a team and sadly most companies don't invest in preparing new leaders for this. They promote the top performers and cross their fingers.
Good for you to recognize you may be happier in another role. A top performing rep can absolutely make the same money with far less headaches when compared to their sales leader. Nothing wrong stepping back into an IC role and living your life. If/when you feel the calling to lead, start the process of preparing yourself for such a role. Read leadership books, find a mentor that is ahead of you on the journey, study as much as you can. This will ensure your next transition is a great one for you and the people you are entrusted to lead.
Pachacuti
Politicker
0
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
In the same company? Optics might be an issue.

Moving to a different company? ICs can often out earn mngt so make sure that is what you’re broadcasting.
chef
Fire Starter
0
Manager, Enterprise Sales
I’d be going to a different company. Agreed same company would be tough. Also optics aside don’t think I’d want to do that.
CRAG112
Valued Contributor
0
Account Executive
Have you tried taking an actual vacation for 2 straight weeks?
You know, the real thing. Where you don't do any work. Somebody else looks over your team, you're just living your best life.

Try that first.
Maximas
Tycoon
0
Senior Sales Executive
No problem absolutely, go for the IC for now and you'll be very welcomed to get to the sales manager position whenever you think you're up for it!
Justatitle
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
You tried it, you don't love it and you clearly want to be back in the IC role, nothing wrong with this at all.

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