The Thing About "Paying Your Dues" Is...
Posted on January 28, 2025 by Sharee Wells, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
Pointers for young, aspiring managers who want to go straight into a management position without first doing the work of those they'll manage.
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping straight from school into a corner office, you’re not alone. After all, you’ve studied hard, earned your degree, and feel ready to lead. Maybe you were a leader in school. Or maybe you didn’t go to school and still dream of running your own business or being The Boss. Well, here’s the thing about “paying your dues”: skipping the steps between learning about leadership and actually leading can set you up for a shaky start. Understanding the job you want to manage and the people who do it isn’t just a box to check; it’s the foundation of your future success.
WHY “PAYING YOUR DUES” MATTERS
First and foremost, paying your dues builds credibility. Imagine walking into a team meeting as a newly minted manager and realizing that your employees view you as out of touch. Why? Because you’ve never experienced the challenges they face daily and frankly, they do know a lot more than you do about the daily workings, problems that arise, and many solution options. When you’ve worked in their shoes, you earn respect by showing that you understand what they do and value their contributions.
Next, there’s the matter of practical knowledge. The classroom may teach theories of management, but the reality of the workplace is far more nuanced. Things like office politics, resolving conflicts, or understanding the intricacies of a particular process can only be learned on the job. These experiences not only help you grow but also prepare you to make informed decisions as a leader. They build your wisdom.
Perhaps most importantly, paying your dues fosters empathy. A manager who has walked the same path as the employees being managed can relate to their struggles and triumphs. This empathy strengthens relationships, promotes loyalty, and creates a supportive team environment. Employees are far more likely to follow a leader who truly understands their perspective.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SKIP STEPS
Bypassing the learning phase of your career may seem like a shortcut, but it can lead to significant obstacles. For one, you risk losing the respect of your team. Employees often view inexperienced managers as disconnected, unrealistic, or unqualified, making it harder to earn trust and cooperation. Without shared experience, you may struggle to connect with your team on a meaningful level.
Decision-making becomes another major challenge. Managers without hands-on experience may make impractical or uninformed choices, leading to inefficiencies, excess costs, and frustration. A lack of familiarity with day-to-day operations can result in poorly implemented policies or strategies that don’t align with team capabilities.
Finally, skipping the dues-paying phase can lead to communication and leadership struggles. Effective management requires a deep understanding of roles, responsibilities, and team dynamics. Without that insight, you may find it difficult to set expectations, resolve issues, or inspire your team.
SO… HOW TO PAY YOUR DUES STRATEGICALLY
The good news is that paying your dues doesn’t have to be a slow or aimless process. Instead, approach it with a strategy. Start by seeking diverse learning opportunities. Take on different roles within the organization, volunteer for projects, and embrace challenges. Every experience adds to your understanding and skill set.
Observe and listen to those around you. Mentors, peers, and seasoned professionals have valuable insights to share. Pay attention to how teams operate and the subtleties of workplace culture. These lessons will serve you well when you’re in charge.
Be patient and purposeful. Leadership isn’t a race, and the time you spend building your foundation is an investment in your long-term success. By taking the time to learn, grow, and connect, you’ll be better equipped to lead with confidence, authority, and authenticity.
THE VALUE OF THE PAYING-YOUR-DUES JOURNEY
The thing about paying your dues is that it’s not a hurdle to overcome—it’s a steppingstone to becoming the kind of leader people WANT to follow. By immersing yourself in the work and understanding the people who do it, you’ll gain the credibility, knowledge, and empathy needed to succeed. So, embrace the journey, knowing that every step brings you closer to the leader you’re meant to be!
