Manager Series: Identifying your leadership approach
Here’s an astounding statistic: according to Gallup, only 1 in 10 people possess the talent to manage, yet, most people graduate into managerial positions as they move up in rank. Whether you’re someone who’s interested in nurturing individuals and growing teams or simply fell into the role, it’s an important role that requires a skillset all its own.
In this newsletter, I’d like to kick off this management-focused series with an introduction to different managerial styles and a look at how each CliftonStrengths domain lends itself to good leadership. As you read on, I hope you recognize your own approach (or desired approach) and feel inspired to tap into the leader in you.
What is your idea of good management?
The four most common leadership styles:
Direct takes the approach of telling someone or a team exactly what they want and how they want it done.
Democratic is a people-focused approach that prioritizes collaboration and places value on input from everyone.
Laissez-faire is a hands-off approach that prefers to provide the necessary information and resources but lets employees do the rest.
Transformational leadership focuses on big ideas and encourages team members to take risks and think outside the box to try innovative ways to get things done
Whatever your style, the key is to add your spin! Think back on great managers you’ve had or seen in the world. Similarly, recall behaviors you’ve seen or experienced and want to avoid. What do you value in a leader? What have you noticed in other leaders that you’d like to emulate? Reflection is a great place to start when thinking about your managerial approach.
“Great managers aren't great managers because they all manage the same way. They are great because they manage their way.”
Now let’s think about this in the context of CliftonStrengths. The Strengths in each of the four domains have an overarching purpose, but more specifically, every Strength lends itself to a positive leadership trait. To add to the insights above, recall your individual Strengths and map them back to ways they make you into an effective manager. This exercise will paint a picture of your overall managerial style and help you tap into the areas you excel. Here are a few below to get you started!
Executing
Overall: Ability to make things happen and turn an idea into reality
The Achiever in this domain works relentlessly towards a goal, while the Arranger would naturally excel at identifying the right combination of people to achieve it. The key thing to keep in mind for this domain is balance!
Influencing
Overall: Ability to reach an audience and sell ideas on a larger scale
Someone with Command or Self-assurance is gifted in conveying powerful messages. Those with Communication or Woo place are great at helping people feel comfortable doing their best work given their natural charm.
Relationship building
Overall: Ability to create a team greater than the sum of its parts, rather than existing as a collection of individuals
Those who exhibit Positivity and Harmony focus on reducing distractions and interruptions to their team, allowing them to focus on the task at hand. At the same time, the Relator or Mentor excels at coaching the team to achieve their goals and perform at their best.
Strategic thinking
Overall: The ability to create what could be using data and insights
Companies need leaders with vision and Individuals strong in Context or Strategic themes are always learning and applying their insights for future planning. Similarly, a leader with the Analytical Strength looks at the data to understand the connection between cause and effect to create airtight plans.
When we can understand and categorize our natural inclinations, it helps paint a clearer picture of our approach, which is the first step to becoming even stronger leaders. In what ways do you excel? In what ways do you want to improve? In the next two parts of this newsletter series, I’ll do a deep dive into how you can fine-tune managerial skills and create personal litmus tests to help you navigate decision-making.
Everyone has unique traits that make them great managers, I’m excited to help you tap into yours!