Six ways to Lead – not just Manage

The coronavirus is a crisis unlike any other in recent times.

 You don’t need me telling you the extraordinary demands it’s placed on businesses, with the humanitarian toll understandably making those around us anxious.

 And now more than ever, in amongst this emotional chaos – when it would be easier for people to feel lost and go to ground – we need people to lead, not manage. But what is the difference?

 When I hear the word ‘manager’, I think of someone who controls or administers a group. Officially on paper, they are in charge.

 However, a leader is something entirely different. Just think of the word, lead. For me, it conjures up thoughts of someone encouraging change, inspiring others to go somewhere new. Not just telling them.

 Now, managers can be leaders, but leaders certainly don’t need to be managers – and the current climate has certainly proven that to me.

 In Microsoft, on LinkedIn, with family and friends, I’ve witnessed countless heroes step up and spearhead new initiatives, ingenious ways to be effective in an entirely virtual world and most importantly, helping others stay mentally and physically fit.

 So, if you want to be a leader regardless of your role, from my experience and from what I’ve seen over the last couple of months, here are my top six tips for being a strong leader. 

1. Provide opportunities for others to connect

A one-way, top-down communication stream just doesn’t cut it. Those around you need to be encouraged to collaborate and find their own solutions as a collective. As the famous Field of Dreams quote goes: “If you build it, they will come.” Well, the same goes for new collaboration tools, such as Microsoft Teams; if you promote a platform for teammates to converse and have their say, sit back and watch amazing ideas and solutions roll in. Your job is to then cherry-pick the ones that best fit in with your overall strategy and vision, and position the new direction as a team effort.

2. Help others go above and beyond

 Managers who go a step further than just getting direct reports the tools they need, answering queries and evaluating performances, are the ones who lead. The secret here is taking people on a journey to the role they want, not the one they are paid to do. So, don’t be afraid to delegate–rewarding interesting work with additional responsibilities. This normally results in even better returns. And if you know a peer who would benefit from a skill or information you have, ask if they’d like you to organize a knowledge sharing session. At Microsoft, your impact is considered higher if you build on each others work, instead of trying to invest everything yourself.

 3. Focus on strengths

 It’s important that we develop our areas of improvement, but to keep motivation high, don’t lose sight of people’s top skills. You need to find ample opportunities to let teammates shine at what they’re good at, providing opportunities where they can put those talents to good use. If you’re leading a physical or virtual team, one option is to empower colleagues to pick their own responsibilities in a project. The leader can then focus on coaching and guiding individuals to make sure they have clear direction and support to reach their goals. The overall impact is much higher if others can benefit from each others' knowledge and skills!

 4. Own your mistakes

 If you want to lose people’s trust, pass the buck or bamboozle others in business speak when you mess up. If you want to lead, hold your hands up when you drop the ball. You’ll be respected more for this and don’t forget – mistakes are a great opportunity explore what went wrong, learn and improve. Plus, if you’re transparent, a culture of honesty and trust will grow within your network, helping those around you to develop and be better. We learn the most from failure, not success.

 5. Set an example

If you're seen with your head down, screaming at others, dictating and generally conducting yourself in a negative way – others will see no reason why they can't act in the same way. The best leaders are the hardest workers and the most respectful, so do your best and be kind. Practice what you preach and be your authentic self, in treating others like how you would want others to treat you.

 6. Don’t forget the heart

Great managers can be super intelligent, but great leaders are able to tap into the emotions of those around them. Therefore, don’t get so caught up on the numbers and your objectives, that you forget to show others you care. If you can create a really fun, supportive culture, including ways to reward and recognize those superstars around you, you won’t fail to inspire as you build an empowered and productive environment.

So, in conclusion…

 Leaders don't view people by job descriptions – they are aware of what each individual can bring to the table and create an environment that gets the best out of them.

And if you master the tips above, you’ll quickly become a trusted advisor – someone who is dependable and integral to driving success.

People want to collaborate with those they trust – and if they have faith in you, you’ll be able to inspire your colleagues and connections to do courageous, remarkable things. And when plans don’t go as intended, the road to recovery will be much quicker.

 So, if you want to lead and take people forward, no matter what your role, rethink how you conduct yourself and in turn, you’ll spread happiness, boost others’ morale and be more successful. Amen.

Stay Safe, care about each other.

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