Every employee has a big dream for their career and wants to make it happen. The problem is that many people don’t know where to start or what to do to drive their own development. Planning your career can be confusing and frustrating. It shouldn’t be so hard to find a place where you are respected and appreciated for the work you do for your company.
I’ve often heard that leaders have vision and managers manage a process. I’ve also heard that managers work “in” the business and leaders work “on” the business.
There are many people that believe “leaders are born, not made”. They believe there are natural leaders that just seem to have some genetic makeup that turn them into leaders. I respectfully disagree. I believe leaders have a growth mindset which drives them to be lifelong learners and become leaders based on their growth and development. There are 4 ways that leaders develop:
- A highly capable individual. These individuals make significant contributions to their team or organization through their talent, knowledge, skills, and work ethic. They are experts in their field and can consistently produce high-quality results.
- A contributing team member. These people are team players who excel at working with others to achieve common goals. They can build relationships, motivate others, and resolve conflict. They are also able to delegate effectively and empower their team members to take ownership of their work.
- A competent manager. These individuals can organize and direct their team members to achieve specific goals. They can set clear expectations, provide feedback, and develop their team members’ skills. They are also able to think strategically and develop plans.
- An effective leader. These people can inspire and motivate others to achieve high performance. They are able to create a clear vision for the future and communicate that vision effectively to their team members. They are also able to build a strong culture of trust and accountability.
What about you? Where do you see yourself on this spectrum? What does it take to go from a competent manager to an effective leader? Don’t put off your professional development. Start today!
