If you earn 50k, what do you do and how much responsibility do you have?

[User1113]

Just been offered a big promotion and this will be my new salary. It feels like a massive step up and I'm panicking a bit about development needs, lack of leadership experience, etc. But at the same time, I'm not sure the job justifies the salary. I work within the NHS (not managerial but also not fully clinical) and performance management is a bit lacking so I'm never really sure if I'm hitting my targets. I'm not really sure what's expected at this grade. And yes, I'll have a meeting with my line manager but I want to be prepared. So if you earn about the same, what do you do, and what does a normal day look like?

For anyone who wants an AIBU - AIBU to have imposter syndrome?!

Everyone feels like this when you make the next jump up, you don't get given £50k for nothing I'm sure you can do the job. I earn about the same as a HR Business partner, I don't have any direct reports though, it's mainly people strategy/policy writing.

I work 3 days a week but my FTE salary is just a bit more than 50k. I'm an ordinary teacher in an independent school, around 10 years' experience, shortage subject, no management or extra pastoral responsibilities beyond that of an ordinary teacher.

I definitely don't have imposter syndrome, I think I'm pretty decent at my job as I've been doing it a while. I think if you have imposter syndrome you need to work on being (silently) critical/observant of how others in the workplace aren't perfect. Then you'll realise you don't have to be perfect either

I manage people earning this salary level.

I expect people to be self starters, to seek clarity on their role and my expectations and to make the role their own.

I also expect people to be a bit uncertain when first promoted - if you aren’t a bit scared then you don’t understand the role! I am more than happy for people to chat to me about their concerns and performance - I have been there too.

what I hate is people coming to me with constant questions they could find the answers to themselves.

expect a few bumping months at the start - that is normal. You will be amazing!!

I work in the NHS too (corporate not clinical) and earn a bit more than this. I manage 3 different teams across 2 sites.

I have been in post a couple of years and now feel like I know my teams, my SLT and Execs like the back of my hand and the job while regularly quite stressful, is straightforward now.

The key at this level (senior leader as I guess you are too?) is to build relationships with everyone - all of your stakeholders especially, and understand the org strategy and how to get there for your team.

Understand what other people’s jobs are and know your team - especially their strengths and weaknesses and in time you’ll start to spot gaps which you then support them to fill.

Honestly, just talk to everyone. Managing a budget? Talk to your management accountant. Managing a team? Talk to your HR business partner. Need to sort a contract? Talk to procurement. And listen to what they tell you. Take them for a coffee, get to know them a little. Just be honest. People will generally go out of their way to help if you just say “hey, I’m not sure about x as I’m new in post but keen to learn - perhaps we could grab a coffee as x has recommended you as the best person to speak to”

They will usually have something you can help them with in their back pocket - either now or in the future.

The fact you are concerned suggests you are conscientious, good luck - you’ll be great :)