What do you do if you're transitioning from public speaking to a managerial role?

1 Leadership Skills

In public speaking, your main focus is to influence and inspire your audience through words. As you transition into a managerial role, this ability to influence becomes even more crucial. You must now lead by example, set clear goals, and motivate your team to achieve them. Leadership in management also involves empathy and the ability to listen and respond to your team's needs. Your public speaking experience has given you a platform to practice these skills, but in a managerial role, you'll be applying them in a more nuanced and sustained way.

2 Delegation Mastery

As a skilled public speaker, you're used to being at the forefront, but as a manager, you need to master the art of delegation. This means identifying the strengths of your team members and assigning tasks accordingly. It's not just about giving orders; it's about trusting your team to deliver and providing them with the support they need to succeed. Delegation also helps you manage your workload and focus on strategic planning—something that might be new to you but is essential for effective management.

3 Decision Making

One of the biggest changes you'll face is the shift from delivering messages to making decisions that can affect your team and company. Decision-making in a managerial role requires a balance of intuition, analysis, and consultation with others. You must be comfortable with the fact that not all decisions will be popular, but if made with the organization's best interests in mind, they can be respected. Your public speaking background can help you communicate these decisions effectively and rally your team around common goals.

4 Conflict Resolution

While public speaking often involves addressing agreeable audiences, management can sometimes mean dealing with conflicts within your team. Effective conflict resolution requires patience, understanding, and impartiality. You'll need to draw on your communication skills to mediate disputes and find solutions that are fair and beneficial to all involved. Remember, your role is to unite the team and foster a collaborative environment, even when challenges arise.

5 Continuous Learning

In public speaking, you must stay informed about your topics. Similarly, in management, you must commit to continuous learning about your industry, company, and the people you lead. This includes formal training and informal learning opportunities. Embrace this aspect of your new role and seek out resources that can help you grow as a manager. Your eagerness to learn will also set a positive example for your team and contribute to a culture of growth and development.