We all aspire to be better leaders, but the gap between aspiration and achievement can be wide. What truly separates the high-achieving manager from the "average"?
It's not always talent; often, it's a conscious set of behaviours and perspectives that drive exceptional results. This isn't about innate superiority; it's about adoptable habits.
While "average" leaders might maintain the status quo, high achievers actively shape the future. While average managers react to problems, achievers proactively prevent them.
The difference lies in the mindset, the approach, and the consistent dedication to excellence.
This isn't a judgement, but a roadmap. Let's break down ten key differences that separate the high-achieving managers and leaders from the rest, offering practical insights you can apply to your own career right now:
- Visionary vs. Operational: High achievers paint a compelling vision for the future and inspire their team to reach it. Average managers primarily focus on day-to-day operations. (Action: Dedicate 30 mins weekly to strategic thinking beyond immediate tasks.)
- Proactive vs. Reactive: Achievers anticipate challenges and develop preventative strategies. Average managers respond to problems as they arise. (Action: Implement a "lessons learned" process after every project to identify potential future issues.)
- Empowering vs. Controlling: High achievers empower their teams with autonomy and trust. Average managers tend to micromanage and control every detail. (Action: Delegate a challenging task with clear objectives but minimal intervention.)
- Continuous Learning vs. Status Quo: Achievers are lifelong learners, constantly seeking new knowledge and skills. Average managers often rely on existing expertise. (Action: Commit to reading one leadership book or attending one relevant webinar per month.)
- Decisive vs. Indecisive: Achievers make timely and informed decisions, even under pressure. Average managers often procrastinate or avoid making difficult choices. (Action: Practice making quick decisions on smaller matters to build confidence.)
- Feedback-Driven vs. Feedback-Resistant: Achievers actively solicit and embrace feedback, using it to improve their performance. Average managers often avoid or dismiss feedback. (Action: Ask your team for specific, actionable feedback on your leadership style.)
- Relationship-Builders vs. Task-Masters: Achievers prioritise building strong relationships with their team members. Average managers tend to focus solely on task completion. (Action: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with each team member, focused on their career goals and well-being.)
- Accountable vs. Blame-Shifting: High achievers take responsibility for their actions and the performance of their team. Average managers often deflect blame onto others. (Action: Publicly acknowledge your mistakes and the lessons learned from them.)
- Change Agents vs. Status-Quo Seekers: Achievers embrace change and adapt to new challenges. Average managers often resist change and prefer the familiar. (Action: Champion a new initiative or process within your team to demonstrate your adaptability.)
- Purpose-Driven vs. Money-Driven: Achievers are driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to make a meaningful impact. Average managers are primarily motivated by financial rewards. (Action: Clearly articulate your team's purpose and how their work contributes to a larger goal.)
By consciously adopting these habits, you can elevate your management and leadership skills, move beyond the average, and achieve exceptional results. It's a journey, not a destination, so start small, be consistent, and watch your leadership transform.
Do you have any other ideas we could add to the list of ten above?
