Your Management vs. Leadership Questions Answered

Episode #038 Host: Tammy J. Bond

Leadership isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you grow into. In today’s episode of Playing in the Sandbox, I answer some excellent listener questions, but first, we dive into the topic of swift decision-making. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you would like to ask a question - it may end up on our next Q and A episode!

  1. Swift decision-making relies on agreement. This means exploring opinions deeply and offering space for discussion, rather than some team members avoiding conflict by giving a “quick yes.”
  2. Managers have the opportunity to help people get into alignment during the decision-making process. Not everyone on the team needs to help make decisions, but everyone should understand WHY the decision is being made the way it is.
  3. Consensus is the last key to swift decision-making. It’s only natural that some people won’t be 100% in support of any new decision. The most important thing to do is voice that dissenting opinion and find your way to a unified strategy for moving forward.
  4. If you’re feeling uninspired by your leader at work, schedule a one-on-one meeting with your manager to help you understand your part in the bigger picture. Then, at your next team meeting, share the big picture with the rest of your team. Why wait for others? Take initiative!
  5. Suppose you’re on a management team but struggling to feel in alignment with the other managers. As long as you are all on the same page in your overall vision and outcomes, it’s okay to have different ways of getting there. Keep communication open between you, other managers, and your team.
  6. Emotionally intelligent leaders display these four qualities: self-awareness, empathy, motivation, and social skills. Take proactive steps to build relationships with your team.
  7. Open communication between leaders and managers fosters collaboration and cooperation - not competition.
     

Playing In The Sandbox Podcast is brought to you by Tammy J. Bond

In today's swift-moving employee market leaders are far too often putting people that are technically good at their jobs into leadership positions, without first developing them on how to be leaders of people.

How do you course correct, or better yet make sure you don’t make that common mistake? Develop your people to lead others from the moment they join your team. For more tools on how to develop others around you, contact us today.

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