Leadership - Vom Manager zum Leader
Just because you have a fancy job title doesn’t mean you’re a great leader. Few career transitions are more difficult than moving from manager to leader. But it is important to make that change successfully if you are planning to climb the corporate ladder.
So what is the real difference between a manager and a leader? Effective managers are project-oriented and can be described as organized and detail-oriented. On the other hand, dynamic leaders are visionaries who inspire teams to perform at their best. A manager adapts their leadership style individually and can get the best out of every team member.
Ultimately, the skills that got you where you are may not be what you need to get to the next level. Moving from manager to leader is a process that requires training and focus. Here are five strategies to help you make a smooth transition.
A real leader inspires
Great leaders don’t just tell people what to do. They are masters at motivating their direct employees. Going from manager to leader means that you can tap into your own determination and articulate it to your team. When employees are genuinely inspired and proud of the values of their leaders, they will not only perform better in good times, but also persevere in difficult times. In other words, inspiring leaders lead to motivated employees, and motivated employees are loyal employees.
A real leader creates a shared vision
Effective leaders not only need to set the tone for corporate culture, they also need to learn to communicate big ideas to everyone in the company, not just management. Making the transition from manager to leader means understanding how to create transparent and consistent messages that inspire your people to do their best. Leaders create and drive the overall vision of the company so effectively that it becomes a shared vision.
A real leader is emotionally intelligent
While traditional management skills are essential, higher levels of emotional intelligence are required to nurture and motivate teams. Emotionally intelligent people understand their own emotions and how they influence their decisions and behaviors. They know how to read others and respond in a way that recognizes their needs and concerns. People with high emotional intelligence (EQ) make great listeners and go out of their way to consider other people’s points of view. In addition, a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology concluded that there is a strong correlation between EQ and job performance. EQ is often the difference between those who move up within an organization and those who don’t.
A real leader is transparent
As a leader, it is important to lay the foundation for transparent communication. In a Harvard Business School survey, 70% of employees said they are most engaged when management communicates openly. To be open and honest is important to instill trust in your employees. This practice, in turn, will make it easier for your team to open up to you.
A real leader delegates
Even if it were possible to stay fully involved in all aspects of the job, it will severely limit the growth of your team. It is critical to build a group of talented people around you that you can rely on to scale your operations more effectively. Giving your employees the opportunity to take on new projects will free up more time on your calendar to focus on more important, high-level tasks. It also helps provide opportunities for your direct reports to develop new skills. A Gallup study even found that companies with more talented employees who can delegate create higher growth rates, higher revenues, and more jobs.
“A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader; a greater leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.
— Eleanor Roosevelt
Great leaders promote the strengths and talents of their employees and form teams that are committed to achieving common goals. Moving from manager to leader is an exciting transformation, but it also brings challenges. But when you are successful, the rewards for you and the company are immeasurable.