I would not call it trying to be a "manager", that is a narrow role with a formal place in the org chart. Let's call it "taking responsibility". I agree that y

I would not call it trying to be a "manager", that is a narrow role with a formal place in the org chart. Let's call it "taking responsibility". I agree that you should be smart about it, and not blindly do unassigned work. In the worst case you can be reprimanded because you did not follow process and you might step on someones toes that had other plans and ideas. But don't just do what you are told or only what fits your job description, but do what is needed most and what you care about. That does not have to mean you can't first discuss it with your formal manager or team, but only that you take the initiative and show that you care. When other people recognise that you care about some topic, surly you will get more work regarding that topic. But that is a good thing because you now get to do more work _that you care about_ and that is important. In a sensible organisation that will also mean you can leave some other work to other people, not that you have to increase your hours.