Technicians vs. Managers: Why Everyone Should Stick to Their Expertise

In business, it’s common to encounter a situation where a technician—someone deeply knowledgeable about technologies and processes—suddenly decides they can successfully manage the company they’ve worked at for years. They think, “I was there when everything was built, so I understand how it all works. Why not? I can handle it myself!” However, practice shows that such experiments often lead to failures. Why? Let’s analyze this.

In business, it’s common to encounter a situation where a technician—someone deeply knowledgeable about technologies and processes—suddenly decides they can successfully manage the company they’ve worked at for years. They think, “I was there when everything was built, so I understand how it all works. Why not? I can handle it myself!” However, practice shows that such experiments often lead to failures. Why? Let’s analyze this.

Management is an Art, Not Just a Set of Tasks

Like any other profession, managing people or a business requires years of learning. For example, becoming a doctor isn’t just about getting a degree. It requires practical experience, honing skills, and taking responsibility for every action. Managing people and companies is no different—it’s a complex process where a single “loose screw” can have fatal consequences.

It may seem straightforward: assign tasks, monitor their execution, and you’re done. But the reality is quite different. Management requires a deep understanding of human psychology, communication skills, knowledge of processes, strategic thinking, and the ability to make quick decisions in uncertain conditions. When a technician, used to a clear algorithm of actions, tries to apply this approach to management, the outcome is often less predictable than in the technical field.

Why a Technician is Not a Manager

Technicians excel in understanding technologies; they know how to optimize processes, automate routine tasks, and improve productivity. But this isn’t enough for effective management of people and businesses. Management is not about technology; it’s about people. People are not machines. They have emotions, ambitions, and are not always predictable or rational. Therefore, successful management requires skills that go far beyond technical training.

When a technician decides to “take the reins,” they often underestimate the importance of interpersonal communication, strategic planning, and conflict management. Technicians tend to focus on details and technical aspects, losing sight of the bigger picture and the long-term goals of the company.

Conflict with the Manager: The Struggle for Control

Often, technicians begin to fight with managers for leadership. They feel that the manager has done their part and it’s time to “turn the ship” in another direction. However, this struggle rarely ends in success. A manager, like an experienced captain, knows how to navigate through storms and avoid hidden reefs. They can maneuver between the interests of different people, while a technician, accustomed to clear tasks, faces numerous variables that can’t be calculated with a formula.

Fighting with a professional manager is like trying to battle an experienced guard dog that has protected you from enemies for years. Initially, the dog might not understand your motivation, then give a slight nip to indicate that this isn’t the game to play. But once it realizes you’re serious, it might just take control, leaving you out of the picture and perhaps even taking over the company.

Success in Technical Fields Doesn’t Guarantee Success in Management

It’s important to understand that success in a technical field doesn’t automatically make someone a successful manager. Everyone should focus on their own area. A technician can become incredibly successful by continuing to innovate and improve processes in their field. But when they try to take on a managerial role, they often encounter many unpredictable factors they aren’t used to dealing with.

This doesn’t mean a technician can’t be a good leader. But to achieve this, they need to learn the skills that managers possess: gain experience, study people management, and understand team psychology. Technical brilliance and managerial expertise are two different worlds, and to succeed in both, one must master skills from both areas.

Key Takeaway

If you are a technician with aspirations in management, it’s worth seriously considering whether you are truly ready for this. Perhaps it’s better to focus on your technical development and leave management to a professional. This way, you can maintain a successful company, increase efficiency, and, most importantly, avoid the consequences of poor managerial decisions.

Conversely, if you are a manager, remember that technicians are the backbone of your company. Without their knowledge and skills, technical processes will cease to function. But it’s crucial to separate roles: everyone should do what they do best; only then can true success be achieved.