From Manager to Leader
I often ask myself: Why didn't any of my previous "leaders" help me differentiate between being a manager and being a leader? I will give them the benefit of the doubt and place the blame on them being overwhelmed with work and understaffed. Okay, sure, I can understand why now.
This article if fueled by my desire to help others who are just starting their journey in their professional careers. This is a chance for others to learn from some of my mistakes. No, I don't know it all. My leadership journey has only just begun. However, I have learned a thing or two. Here are two of the lessons I've learned thus far:
#1: Productivity is Not Everything; People Are.
As a manager, I thought productivity was everything. My inexperienced philosophy was: "If I achieve the results the organization is looking for, I will be deemed a successful leader and have followership". WRONG! Productivity often came at the expense of my team's loyalty and trust. A shift needed to happen. Thankfully it did when someone shed light on the fact that people are the most important asset to an organization. I've since learned that:
Your team's success is your success.
If you take care of your people, they will take care of you.
Your team will thrive when they work off of their strengths; know their strengths.
Your team will follow when they know you care and have their best interest in mind.
#2: Leader Don't Exercise Power; They Exercise Influence.
I also used to see leadership as a position of power. I let my ego take over my vision and sought power instead of influence. There is a difference between the two. I found that though I was managing a team, I was not able to change their performance. I was also not able to influence any of the decisions being made while I was at "the table". Productivity went out the window. I began to understand leadership is much more than power, it is an ability to influence. But, how can one learn to influence? True leaders accomplish this by:
Leading by example. Leadership is a lifestyle, not a set of techniques.
Clearly casting the vision for their team, get in front, and keep them on the move.
Building trust with those around them by modeling authenticity, integrity, and compassion.
Stepping away from a scarcity mentality (hoarding ideas, solutions, or knowledge) and share as much as possible with as many as possible.
These two points have stretched me in ways that cannot be described by simply using words. They've changed the very nature of who I am. They now guide my thoughts, words, and actions in and outside of the workplace. These two points also paint a better picture of what leadership is, giving way to a greater appreciation for genuine leaders.
Again, my leadership journey has only just begun. Now, on to the next learning opportunity.