This sums the whole discussion, end of discussion. Thank you for finding it and pointing it out.

I wish I knew how to mod you up!

Ha!

Thanks, that was actually my intent. I'd better patent "bolding text as the OP in a forum so all topic consumers can quickly identify the OP replies. Optionally add color so it stands out even more. Optionally italicize the text so it stands out even more."

Oh, right. That would be off topic.

Cheers.

Not harsh at all. I regretted using the word "crap" the instant I submitted the post. And after reading the whole thing again, I tend to agree with a lot of what you said. I think I'm still feeling insulted that they would ask me to take on added responsibility but then not offer to pay me to do so. My post reflects that defensiveness.

Thank you for the harsh realities. Your reply is humbling. I agree with the bulk of your reply, but not necessarily with the conclusions about me that you've drawn. I'll seriously consider what you've said here though, and think twice about why I even want the job. Believe it or not, the most disturbing thing you said was that you think I lack the interpersonal skills to develop the necessary relationships with employees to motivate them ... and I was thinking that was one of my strengths.

Hard to tell from one post, so I'm hoping you're not clairvoyant and are wrong about this one. I'm a humble person with a little lack of confidence, trying to convince myself otherwise. Sometime not very good at it.

Thanks again for taking the time. I do appreciate it.

This is awesome. Thank you!

Sorry All, not yelling. I just thought it was easier to see my replies this way. Since you're all willing to take time to reply to me, I certainly feel compelled to do the same.

I'll stop yelling from here on out.

Cheers.

It's a pretty flat structure and all the SysAdmins in my grade wear a lot of hats. Supervisor of 10 to begin with, potentially more. Far more than scheduling shifts and tasks. Budgeting, planning, software/hardware/technology selection, contract negotiations, etc.

I'll report to Director who in turn reports to VP who reports to CEO.

Yup ... will be dealing directly with senior management.

Thanks to both of you for the thoughtful replies. I was going to reply to bastardchyld when I read that post, but delayed just long enough for this one to come in ahead of me.

I really, truly appreciate the input ... not just from you two but from all the others who've volunteered their time. I hope this Ask Slashdot will help others in similar situations.

Cheers.

This one cracked me up. I was offended, but am not any more. Nope, they're not trying to hide me. I've had kind of a Midas touch here. Everything I touch and major changes I've recommended turn to gold. It's been a fantastic run.

I actually kind of understand their rational, it just feels like the numbers (market valuation and surveys) and the semantics (define "leadership" to mean whatever it is I don't have) are manipulated to their advantage.

So, I truly believe the reason they've asked me to do this is because I will be good at it and I will be more valuable in this new role than in the current. I really do believe that.

Thanks for the chuckle.

Pardon me for clarifying, I do appreciate your taking the time to reply.

I am asking for a clear description of the difference between project management skills and people management skills, you have not actually enlightened me one bit.

I have a fantastic relationship with my management (really, and truly ... they love me) or they would not be asking me to do this. They have total confidence that I'll do a great job in this role, as do I. I've managed people in unrelated fields and have been quite successful at builting teams in very awkward and even hostile situations.

While I call myself a hack, I think I stated that I'm pretty darned good at all those things I've done, especially when I'm submerged in them. I'm an excellent teacher, trained professionally as one in fact and have imparted past skills on subordinates. I have passed along the PM skills that I can, while not being charged with doing so. Some around me are improving at those skills ... I never stated that I was not doing that.

So, with this added information ... do you possibly have anything constructive to add? Or is there some underlying reason why you're so bitter towards a total stranger looking for guidance? If you'd like to share those problems, I'd certainly like to offer constructive guidance if I'm able to, and maybe help you to heal yourself.

Seriously. Lighten up, Dude.

Why isn't that a bigger deal than it is? It seems quite literal. Who said they were transferrable in the first place?

I never thought it would come to this but God Damnit. I have to agree with you on this one. To hell with recall ... Nuke them all. Bunch of Corporate Shills, doing the bidding of their Corporate Masters. They don't give a shit about the People in this country. Time to start seriously considering ways to make the change.