From Manager to Leader: The Critical Shift You Need to Make. Lessons from My Career Journey

Introduction

As a manager, I encountered daily challenges that required my intervention and response. Initially, I tackled these situations to the best of my abilities, believing that excelling in such tasks was the hallmark of effective management. Over time, I realized that while managing tasks is essential, it’s not enough for long-term career success. As you climb the career ladder, you take on greater responsibilities, accompanied by different set of expectations. This journey of transformation—from manager to leader—is pivotal, but few consciously prepare for it. I, too, was blissfully unaware of its importance until a chance encounter with my business head changed my perspective and set me on a transformative path.

My Story

After a few years in managerial roles, I believed I was doing well. I had learned the nuances of the job and was confident in my abilities. Then this incident happened. One evening, well past 8 p.m., after a long and exhausting day at work, I was heading to the elevator, ready to call it a day, when I heard someone calling my name. I turned around to see my business head walking briskly towards me, signaling for me to hold the elevator. He seemed surprised to find me in the office so late, given that my work shift had ended hours ago. On our way down in the elevator, he asked why I was still at work. Before I could answer, he inquired whether I had a ride home. When I mentioned I would be taking a taxi, he kindly offered to drop me off.

Once we were seated in his car, he returned to his earlier question: why was I staying so late? I explained that we had a critical deliverable due in three weeks and that my team and I were working late to clear a significant backlog. I mentioned that I was also working alongside the team on various tasks as a resource to help meet our deadlines. I expected a nod of approval or perhaps even praise for my dedication, but his response left me stunned.

“I appreciate your hard work and the fact that you’re working with your team,” he said, “but as a manager, this isn’t your job.”

I was taken aback. I asked him why he was disappointed in me when I was doing everything I could to support my team and meet our goals. His reply was both eye-opening and transformational for me.

“Your job as a manager isn’t to do your team’s work” he said. “Your role is to ensure their success. That means, in this instance, you should have been assessing the workload, identifying risks, and raising concerns early if any. It’s about planning and ensuring your team has the resources and support they need to get the job done. From what I see, you have been working as an additional resource along with your team rather than providing leadership your team requires in this situation.”

Though initially confused, his words stayed with me. Over time, I realized he was right. To be effective as a manager—and to grow into a leader—one must step back, assess the bigger picture, and think strategically. Every situation offers an opportunity to handle, lead, or do both. The key lies in consciously choosing to lead whenever possible, rather than merely managing tasks.

Lessons Learned

The transition from manager to leader is not easy. It requires a mindset shift and deliberate effort to seize opportunities for growth. Here’s what I learned along the way:

1. Look Beyond Immediate Tasks: As a manager, it’s tempting to dive into the work alongside your team. However, true leadership involves planning, delegating, and empowering your team to excel.
2. Assess Every Situation: Each challenge presents a choice—handle it, lead it, or do both. Choosing to lead allows you to grow and develop the skills needed for higher responsibilities.
3. Embrace Learning Opportunities: Early in your career, you may focus on “getting things done.” But to avoid stagnation later, it’s crucial to experiment and learn from every situation.
4. Balance Management and Leadership: Leadership doesn’t replace management; it complements it. A successful leader must also manage their direct responsibilities effectively.

Applying the Insights

After my conversation with my business head, I began approaching situations differently. I asked myself two key questions:

1. Can I handle this situation successfully?
2. Can I do something differently to prevent similar issues in the future or be better prepared if they arise again?

By focusing on both handling and leading, I gained valuable experience and insights. This approach opened doors for new opportunities and brought me closer to understanding what leadership truly means.

Conclusion

Leadership is not about a title or position; it’s about the choices you make in every situation. To transition from manager to leader, you must consciously evaluate and seize opportunities to lead while fulfilling your managerial responsibilities. The journey may be challenging, but it is immensely rewarding. By balancing management and leadership, you can unlock your full potential and pave the way for long-term career success.

If you aspire to be a leader, start today. Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow. With time and persistence, you will not only handle situations effectively but also lead with confidence and purpose.