Leadership is a skill that can be developed with deliberate practice, learning, and real-world application. Unfortunately, many managers are thrust into leadership roles without formal training, leading to ineffective management and unmotivated teams.
Last summer, I attended a Pharma training conference where a troubling trend was discussed—not just in the pharmaceutical industry but across Corporate America. Companies have been making significant cuts to training professionals in leadership development, leaving teams short-staffed to provide the training needed for managers.
This shift has placed the responsibility of leadership growth on individual managers. While this may seem challenging, it also offers an opportunity to take charge of your development. Leadership training may be limited, but your ability to grow as a leader is not.
If you are looking for a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to becoming a stronger leader, here are the key steps to take:
Learn from the Best in Your Company
One of the most effective ways to improve your leadership skills is to observe and learn from those who are already excelling. Identify great managers in your company and analyze what makes them successful.
Pay attention to how they communicate, set goals, and handle challenges. Ask them for advice and model your leadership approach based on proven strategies.
How do they motivate their teams? Do they set clear expectations? Are they exceptional at coaching? By understanding their methods, you can adopt best practices and tailor them to fit your own leadership style.
Shadowing successful leaders can also help you recognize patterns in resolving conflicts and strategize for long-term success. Consider scheduling regular check-ins with them or requesting opportunities to attend their meetings to gain deeper insights into their leadership approach.
Find a Mentor
A mentor can provide invaluable guidance, helping you navigate challenges and refine your leadership approach. Look for someone who has experience in leadership development and is willing to invest time in your growth. A mentor can offer feedback, share lessons learned, and help you develop strategies to improve team performance.
Finding the right mentor requires intentionality. Look for someone whose leadership style aligns with the kind of manager you aspire to be. It could be a direct supervisor, a senior executive, or even a respected industry leader outside your organization.
A great mentor will challenge your thinking, push you to grow, and serve as a sounding board for difficult decisions.
Improve Your Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Resiliency
Your team will often mirror your emotional state and leadership style. Developing a high level of emotional intelligence enables you to understand and manage your own emotions while positively influencing those of your team.
Resiliency is equally important. Managing stress, staying adaptable, and maintaining a positive outlook in challenging situations will inspire confidence and stability in your team.
Daniel Goleman, a leading researcher in emotional intelligence, emphasizes that EQ is a stronger predictor of leadership success than technical skills or IQ. By improving your self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation, you will foster a more motivated and cohesive team.
Learn How to Help Your People and Remove Obstacles
A key aspect of leadership is helping your team succeed by identifying and eliminating roadblocks that hinder their performance. It involves active listening, problem-solving, and advocating for resources or process improvements that enable your team to work more efficiently.
A proactive leader removes barriers before they become major issues. It could mean streamlining processes, securing necessary tools or technology, or addressing interpersonal conflicts within the team.
Employees are more productive when they feel supported, and their leaders actively work to create an environment conducive to success.
Read Books to Enhance Your Coaching and Feedback Skills
Great leaders are always learning. Expanding your knowledge on coaching and feedback techniques will make you a more effective manager. Books on leadership, coaching, and performance management can provide valuable insights into motivating employees, fostering accountability, and driving results.
Providing effective feedback is one of the most critical yet challenging responsibilities of a manager. Research suggests that employees who receive regular, constructive feedback are more engaged and productive.
Reading books on feedback and coaching can help you refine your ability to communicate expectations clearly and inspire your team to improve consistently.
The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner
Kouzes and Posner’s book provides a research-backed framework for effective leadership. It outlines five key leadership practices: modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, challenging the process, enabling others to act, and encouraging the heart. By implementing these practices, you can enhance your ability to lead with confidence and impact.
This book is widely regarded as one of the most influential leadership books available. It offers practical strategies that can be applied across industries, making it a must-read for managers looking to elevate their leadership capabilities.
Coaching for Improved Work Performance by Ferdinand F. Fournies
Coaching for Improved Work Performance by Ferdinand F. Fournies is a must-read for managers seeking to enhance their coaching skills. Fournies outlines a structured approach to performance improvement, emphasizing clear communication, setting expectations, and addressing obstacles that hinder productivity.
Implementing these principles can lead to measurable improvements in employee performance and engagement.
Beyond Fournies’ book, consider exploring other literature on performance coaching. Books such as:
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Listen to Manager Tools Podcast
Manager Tools is a highly regarded podcast that provides actionable advice for managers. The Hall of Fame episodes, in particular, offer foundational leadership principles that can help managers transition smoothly into their roles.
Mike, one of the hosts, has been instrumental in helping leaders, including those transitioning from the military to corporate roles, develop essential leadership skills.
Podcasts are an excellent way to gain leadership insights while multitasking. Whether you are commuting, exercising, or taking a break, tuning in to leadership podcasts like The Leadership Podcast or Coaching for Leaders can provide ongoing inspiration and practical strategies for leading more effectively.
Engage with Motivational Content
Staying motivated as a leader requires continuous inspiration. Reading books, listening to podcasts, or watching motivational talks can provide new perspectives, reinforce positive habits, and keep you energized in your leadership journey. A motivated leader fosters a motivated team.
Consider following thought leaders such as Simon Sinek, Brené Brown, or John C. Maxwell, who provide thought-provoking insights on leadership, motivation, and personal development. Engaging with their content can help you cultivate a leadership mindset that inspires and uplifts those around you.
Engage with Motivational Content
Understanding and leveraging the strengths of your team members can be a game-changer. A strengths assessment, such as StrengthsFinder, can help you identify the unique talents of each team member and use them to maximize performance. Research shows that managers account for 70% of the variance in team performance, making it crucial to optimize your leadership approach based on team strengths.
By focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses, you can create a workplace culture that boosts confidence, encourages collaboration, and enhances overall productivity. Strength-based leadership also fosters higher employee satisfaction and retention rates.
Developing leadership skills as a manager is a continuous process that requires dedication, learning, and self-awareness. By seeking mentorship, studying successful leaders, improving emotional intelligence, and continuously investing in personal and professional growth, you can become an exceptional leader.
The cavalry is not coming; you are the one who will drive change and success within your organization. Take ownership of your leadership development, and you will see lasting results in both your performance and that of your team.
What leadership strategies have worked for you? Share your thoughts in the comments, or connect with us to explore practical ways to strengthen your leadership skills and empower your team.
