Some “Good Managers” are born, most are made. Management is a funny thing. You do your task based job well, and then you’re told to oversee other people doing that job, and made a Manager. Which is a whole other job. But it’s not always treated as such.
In many organizations, it’s just expected that since you were good at your job, you’ll be good at helping other people be good at it. You’ll be able to assist them to grow by leading them. So now you’re a leader. Well, Leader.
First off Managers and Leaders are two different things and not all managers are good leaders and vice versa.
I’ve seen too many toxic myths about being a manager, ones that all beginners must break away from in order to actually be a Good Manager. Because with anything you do, your mindset is what will set you up for success.
"Management is about persuading people to do things they do not want to do, while leadership is about inspiring people to do things they never thought they could." — Steve Jobs
Time to get straight with Management Myths!
Good Manager Myth #1: Management is Intuitive
This is sooo not true. In fact, it burns me up every time I hear it.
Being a good manager encompasses a very complex array of skills and qualities that extend far beyond mere intuition. While some people absolutely possess natural management traits, truly effective management requires a deliberate and intentional cultivation of skills and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics.
Firstly, successful management demands a nuanced grasp of interpersonal motivations, conflict resolution, and communication strategies. These skills aren’t inherent but need to be developed through experience, learning, and reflection.
Furthermore, the role responsibilities of a manager entails navigating diverse personalities, motivating teams, and fostering collaboration—all of which require deliberate action.
Secondly, effective management requires a keen awareness of organizational goals, strategic planning, and decision-making prowess. Managers have to balance competing priorities, allocate resources efficiently and drive results within a business landscape they may have little control over.
This strategic understanding is only gained through continuous learning, exposure to varied situations, and a commitment to personal and team growth.
Yeah, intuition may play a role in leadership, but being a good manager demands a deliberate and methodical approach to mastering the multifaceted responsibilities of the role.
So don’t let anyone tell you that you that you should just “know” how to be a Good Manager.
The truth:
You’re going to have to try a few different methods of managing and decide which style works best for you.
Good Manager Myth #2: Leaders and Managers are the Same
This one may be surprising. If you have ever worked at an organization that titled all Managers as Leaders you might be surprised to find that this is a case of Leadership in title only.
Leadership and management are unfortunately often used interchangeably, but they represent two distinct roles with unique responsibilities and skill sets.
Leaders inspire and motivate others towards a shared vision, embodying qualities like “vision”, “charisma”, and “big picture thinking”. They foster innovation, drive change and set the direction for an organization or team.
Managers are tasked with day to day operational aspects such as planning, organizing, and controlling resources to achieve specific objectives. They excel in areas like delegation, problem-solving, and performance management, making sure that tasks are executed efficiently and goals are met.
While effective leaders may possess managerial skills, and vice versa, the two roles require very different focuses and approaches.
Moreover, leadership extends beyond formal authority or hierarchical position, and can (and should) come form any level within an organization. People can demonstrate Leadership through their actions, influence and ability to inspire others, regardless of their title or position.
On the other hand, Management operates within strictly defined structures and frameworks, with managers having formal authority over their teams or departments. Leaders often challenge others to grow, embrace uncertainty and navigate ambiguity, while managers prioritize stability, consistency, and operational efficiency.
The truth:
Ultimately, organizations thrive when they have a balance of effective leadership and management, each complementing the other to drive success and achieve strategic objectives.
Good Manager Myth #3: Good Managers Can Manage All The Things
I can totally understand why someone would believe this, especially if you are you striving to become a successful manager.
I’ve been there myself, and I can tell you that the key may not be what you think.
It really can be tempting to want to believe that as a Good Manager you can handle everything, all the time.
While organizing people and instituting processes are important, the true secret lies in hiring and nurturing the right people. Even the best processes won't make a team with the wrong people perform well.
The truth:
Good managers know this and do the hard work of getting the people part right. The importance of hiring and nurturing the right people for your team's success cannot be overstated.
Why is it misleading to believe these 3 myths?
Believing in these myths can make you question your decision to become a manager (or leader) and stop you from taking the right action.
And I absolutely know you have everything it takes to be not just a Good, but Amazing Manager. The kind people want to work with and for. You just need the right guidance, training and intentions to succeed at it. Otherwise, you risk being That manager. You know the one.
Whatever you do, do it your way however. Lean into the aspects of your skills and personality that make you effective as a Manager.
I’ve seen dozens of clients become the kind of Good Managers they want to be. There’s nothing mysterious or special about them.
They did it by taking feedback, getting coaching and putting in the work.
If you want to start working on your leadership skills, I created this workbook to help you define success for yourself, set meaningful goals and create a plan to achieve them.
Click here to download my free Career Success workbook so you can get started.
Being a 'Good Manager' starts with empathy and leadership. You need to define for yourself the outcomes you're looking for as a leader and remember that you're leading people. Actual humans.
You got this.
Yours in yes you can be a fantastic manager goodness,
EBS
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EB Sanders
Career Coach for Creative Types
My Website | Free Stuff | Pinterest
Helping you figure out what you want to do and how to do it your way!
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