The two fundamental questions to answer to transition from an excellent manager to a brilliant leader

After 20 years of developing leaders, I maintain that the biggest transition in most people’s careers is from a senior manager to a true leadership position.

For many people in this position, there is a dawning realisation that the technical skills and knowledge that have got them to where they are in their career are not what is required to take them to the next level.

In fact, in many cases, it is their reputation as a technical expert, problem solver, and firefighter that can get in the way of moving to the next level.

For leaders looking to make this transition, there are two fundamental chasms to cross.

1. What do I need to know, do and demonstrate to become a brilliant leader?

2. What do I need to let go of and stop doing in order to stop being dragged down into work that I shouldn’t be doing?

Simple and obvious, right?

Well, no.

By the time people reach a leadership position, it is assumed that they know what leadership entails and how to execute it. As a result, people are reluctant to acknowledge any ambiguity regarding leadership.

Even more challenging in many cases is the requirement to let go of control of tasks, processes and subject matter expertise that becomes currency in more junior roles. I have worked with thousands of leaders who spend too much time on tasks that their teams should be handling in order to maintain a sense of control.

At worst, it becomes a vicious cycle of becoming too busy to develop leadership capabilities and a lack of leadership capabilities leading to being too busy.

The good news is that the transition to becoming a brilliant leader is entirely attainable for excellent managers who are willing to learn. In fact, I’ve been involved in the development of thousands of leaders for whom the development process was a pivotal moment in their careers.  

And while the transition isn’t always easy, it doesn’t have to be complex.

• If you’re a leader ready to make that step, let’s talk about leadership coaching

• If you’re ready to create a leadership development programme for your people that helps your brilliant managers step up to become brilliant leaders, let us take the load from you.

Call me on +447932725113 or email richard@twentyoneleadership.com.