From the course: Becoming a Manager Your Team Loves

Allow for more leaders

From the course: Becoming a Manager Your Team Loves

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Allow for more leaders

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- One thing that can be really challenging for new managers is to understand they don't have to be the sole leader on a team. When I see leadership emerge throughout my teams, I encourage it. I want you to be that kind of manager. Let go of the idea that you have to be the only leader, and encourage your employees to take some leadership. Groups needs several kinds of leadership to operate at the highest levels. They need socio-emotional leadership to engage them on a personal level, and make them feel cared for and respected. They also need task leadership to make sure goals are being identified and the team is moving forward. As a manager, you will probably be better at one or the other of these, so embrace when others can fill in the gaps. So here's how you can foster new leadership amongst your team. Encourage your team to take personal responsibility. Support your team when they take on leadership roles. Check your ego when you feel someone is overstepping. You may be right, but assessing from an unbiased position is important. Look for opportunities for growth within your team. Can you send an employee to a workshop or have them take a new course? Make team goals and vision clear and engaging, and talk about shared leadership. If we talk about it, people are more likely to engage in it. As you recognize your strengths and opportunities for growth, you should also recognize those on your team. Remember, the best teams are the ones where everyone takes responsibility, everyone steps up, and everyone engages. Everyone has leadership skills, even if they're just leading themselves.

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