Two Great Qualities … and How to Fight Them
When companies decide to promote someone to first-line leader, they usually pick people who ace it in two departments. First, they really know their stuff. Second, they get things done. Some employees might be on point with what they do, all trained up and skilled, but they lack that fire to get results, make decisions, and tackle problems head-on. On the flip side, you've got the eager beavers who are all about motivation, but they might not have the full picture of what's on their plate. The employees who have both? They get promoted.
Now, here's the battle.
These killer employees can struggle when it comes to leadership. We love our control freaks and perfectionists at work – the ones who don't just finish tasks but go the extra mile and put a bow on top. They take major pride in their skills, experience, and efficiency. But when it comes to dealing with people – coaching, managing, motivating, and doling out tasks – these perfectionists can often stumble because they can’t let go. The very skills that make them amazing on their own can trip them up when it's time to lead the team.
The good news is that leading people involves skills you can learn and master. It starts with connecting with all sorts of people, not just fellow perfectionists. Self-awareness is key. And not just knowing your own strengths and weaknesses; it's also about realizing that everyone else has their own set of gifts and challenges. Get that and you’re in great shape to relate to your employees, coworkers, and higher-level leaders.
And when you're more in tune with yourself, you start getting how you roll. As a leader, all eyes are on you. Being aware of how you act and react helps you make effective changes. A lot of hotshots who get bumped up from star performers to leaders can get so wrapped up in the job that they emotionally bond with the work and its quality. But keeping your composure is a game-changer. It's normal to get annoyed at slip-ups, messy work, blown deadlines, and bad decisions. Being ticked off and showing it are two different things though. Leaders who haven't mastered the art of keeping their cool might end up being the office grumps. People avoid bringing issues to them, and colleagues find ways to steer clear, even in crunch situations.
Last but not least, let's talk communication. It's not just a big deal; it's the whole deal. Every human interaction, whether it's a chat, an email, a text, or even a raised eyebrow, is communication. Nailing how you connect with others is the backbone of leadership. Talk less and listen more – really listen, not just pretend or wait to respond. Talking plain but respecting others' dignity, no matter the issue, is important. Forget the whole "it's not about being liked, it's about being respected" spiel. It's totally about being liked – not BFFs with everyone, but being someone others want to work with or have on their team.
Two great qualities – knowing what you’re doing and getting it done – get you promoted. Don’t let them get in the way of leading people. Tune into yourself and others, keep your cool, and get great at conversations. That’s a winning combination for effective leadership.
Success Labs is a leadership development and management consulting firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For 40 years, our expert team of consultants has worked with hundreds of companies to grow leaders, build teams and drive results through great people strategy. Contact us to get proactive about expanding your company’s potential, and stay up-to-date with our latest news and leadership development updates here.