Management is a Role, Not a Promotion!

Transitioning from an individual contributor to a managerial role is often seen as a promotion, but in reality, it’s much more?—?a complete shift in responsibilities and mindset. However, the journey doesn’t stop at management; the true evolution is transitioning from being a manager to becoming a leader.?

Here are some key takeaways:

1. Management is a Role, Not a Promotion

Becoming a manager is not just about climbing the career ladder; it’s about taking on a new role with distinct responsibilities. Whether you’re an individual contributor or a manager, each role has its unique challenges and rewards. As Peter Drucker wisely put it, “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”

Reference: The Essential Drucker by Peter Drucker

2. Finding Your?Niche

Understanding what drives you is essential to finding your niche in leadership. It’s crucial to introspect and determine whether you enjoy working with and developing people. If you naturally gravitate towards helping others succeed, leadership could be a fulfilling path for you. Steve Jobs once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” This applies equally to leadership.

3. Types of?Managers

There are different types of managers, such as people managers and engineering managers. People managers focus on personal development, conducting one-on-ones, and supporting their team members’ growth. Engineering managers, on the other hand, combine technical responsibilities with people management, such as conducting code reviews and unblocking team members.

Question: How does understanding the type of manager you are help in your role? Answer: Knowing your management style allows you to tailor your approach to your team’s needs, whether it’s focusing on technical guidance or personal development. This alignment is crucial for your team’s success and your effectiveness as a leader.

4. Delegation and Decision-Making

Effective leaders excel in delegation and make decisions based on data, not just gut feelings. Delegation involves more than just handing off tasks; it requires clear communication, guidance, and understanding each team member’s strengths.

Example: If you’re faced with a decision about which feature to prioritize, data-driven insights can guide you. For instance, choosing a feature that provides 80% of the impact with 20% of the effort is a strategic move, ensuring maximum value for the time invested.

Question: How does a leader excel in delegation and decision-making? Answer: To excel, a leader must set clear expectations and provide guidance while empowering their team to take ownership of their work. As John Maxwell famously stated, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

Reference: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

5. Facing?Failures

Failures are inevitable, but how you handle them defines your growth as a leader. Recognizing issues early, communicating with stakeholders, and creating a plan to address and learn from failures are essential steps. Winston Churchill’s words resonate here: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

Question: How does a leader face failures? Answer: Leaders must own their failures, communicate openly with their teams, and focus on recovery and future prevention. For example, when a project is going off-track, a leader should proactively inform stakeholders, adjust the scope if necessary, and set up guardrails to avoid future issues.

6. Experience Matters

There’s no substitute for experience in leadership. The breadth of your experiences will guide your decisions and shape your leadership style. Julius Caesar aptly noted, “Experience is the teacher of all things.” Leadership is enriched by diverse experiences, which prepare you for the complexities of guiding others.

Example: If you’ve been put in charge of a project that’s going south, the stress and difficulty of salvaging it will teach you invaluable lessons that contribute to your growth as a leader.

Reference: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

7. Leadership as a?Coach

Leadership goes beyond managing tasks; it’s about coaching and developing your team. As a coach, the focus is on nurturing and supporting each team member, leading to more meaningful and impactful leadership. Phil Jackson, a legendary coach, once said, “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”

Question: How does a leader transition from managing to coaching? Answer: Transitioning to a coaching mindset involves shifting from task management to personal development. Leaders should focus on helping team members grow, providing guidance and support tailored to individual needs.

Reference: Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success by Phil Jackson

For those aspiring to move from management to true leadership, the advice is clear: understand the broader role of a leader, seek opportunities to develop your team, and always be open to learning from experiences?—?both yours and others.