Can we actually ‘master’ people management & team leadership? Yes, it can be taught and makes a tangible difference to the manager, the team and the organization. The difference between leadership and management is important to understand. But what makes a leader credible? Part of the answer is the ability to ‘influence’ others – organisations get more from motivated teams than groups of individuals. Leadership makes this happen, it is a skill that involves understanding a number of core management concepts then being able to put these into practice.
Getting the most from you management role can be both exhilarating and demanding. An elevation in position can bring with it more authority and control, as well as increased accountability, both of your own performance as well as that of others. As a result, the relationships you previously held with colleagues and peers can change, with a shift in their perception of you, and also of your view of them. According to academic theory some pointers worth bearing in mind are:
- you can learn from watching and listening to your team
- you will need to reach agreement with your line manager on your responsibilities and goals
- you will need to work at developing relationships with your line manager and peers
- it is vital to seek help and advice where necessary, from either your manager or the HR Department
- work-based activities and meetings can be used as an opportunity to 'bond' with your team
- you take stock regularly, learning from what went well and what did not
