Do You Have to Be A Manager to Be A Leader?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/dell/2012/06/05/do-you-have-to-be-a-manager-to-be-a-leader/
by Meredith Hall, Dell TA Manager


An account executive is promoted to sales manager. A journalist is promoted to editor. But does the ability to sell translate to motivating a sales team? Does the ability to write great prose translate to managing a team of reporters? When did we get the idea that you have to manage people in order to lead?

The truth is, not everyone wants to be a manager, and you don’t have to manage to lead. Management is a particular skill that involves guiding people with different motivations in the same direction. Leadership has more to do with influence; displaying courage and passion that persuades people to follow your course, whether they’re direct reports or not. As a Talent Acquisition Manager for Dell, I’ve come to recognize the traits that distinguish leaders – independent of their job titles. Individual contributors can cultivate them just as easily as managers.

Social media influence is sure evidence of natural leadership, and the attendant networking provides exposure to new people, ideas, and strategies. Individuals can use social media to promote their corporate and personal brands, as well as build relationships both inside and outside the company – a key tenet of leadership. Networking within your own company can only broaden your view of the corporate ecosystem. You never know which connection will lead to your dream job or create influence in unexpected places.

Consider the leaders who have influenced you throughout your career, and I imagine you’ll see that the best ones are confident and articulate. Exceptional communication skills are the hallmark of many great leaders, but they weren’t all born that way. A colleague who has been called a gifted public speaker told me she once considered herself phobic. Take advantage of opportunities to appear on panels or lead meetings – those experiences will allow you to “fake it ’til you make it.”

One trait that distinguishes successful leaders is that they are strategic thinkers, not tactical. Many professionals get stuck in the weeds of executing a project and lose sight of what’s most important. Educate yourself about the industry and think for your company, not for your position or department. Develop and direct projects that advance your strategic vision for the company.

None of this is to say that you shouldn’t aspire to manage a team. But don’t confuse management with leadership when you map out your career objectives. Becoming a manager is a narrow goal compared to helping your company achieve better results or moving your industry forward. Neither requires a staff.