#1 Leadership Tip: The Specialist vs. Leader Dilemma - Navigating a Role Full of Contradictions
What made you successful as a specialist may not necessarily make you an effective leader. As a specialist, your attention to detail and deep understanding of your field are crucial. However, leadership requires a broader perspective, strategic thinking, team building, and strong communication skills. That sounds easy – but just like your specialty, leadership is a craft and a profession. Something you can learn – luckily. But where to start?
Our Top 5 Shortcuts
We have put in our 10.000 hours and have spent a lot of time figuring out what worked, what didn’t and how to change that. We have summed it up in 5 shortcuts – that work as small reminders on their own, but together with the Fire & Shield toolbox, they give you all you need to succeed.
1. Distinguishing between good and bad leadership
2. Effective time planning and prioritization
3. Leading former colleagues with authority and empathy
4. Conducting important (and challenging) conversations
5. Leading upward and downward within the organization
Don’t despair – the learning curve is steep, but specialists are quick and adept at acquiring new knowledge! You’ve got this!
And if not, we have just the thing for you: A tailored leadership program designed to help you navigate this transition seamlessly, avoiding common pitfalls and establishing a strong foundation for your leadership journey.
Our program consists of five comprehensive modules designed to equip you with the essential skills and insights needed for the type of leadership that takes you places.
Pernille Bartel did just that! She has been working at GN Hearing 18 years and took the first steps into leadership three years ago.
A desire for growth and a need for new challenges drove Pernille to explore a leadership role. Encouraged by her manager, she pursued a team leader position. Pernille faced the same doubt that we discussed before – so in order to build her confidence and skills, she took a private coaching course in order to feel ready to step into her new role with confidence.
Challenges and Achievements: Balancing roles as a specialist and leader was demanding. Her team’s appreciation for her expertise allowed her to mentor effectively, though it slowed her leadership vision. She simply didn’t have time to put her all into leadership – because she was balancing both at the same time. Despite this, she fostered a supportive, collaborative team environment, ensuring everyone felt engaged and responsible.
Unforeseen Aspects: Navigating company politics was unexpected. Learning to manage these dynamics has been crucial. By balancing FIRE and SHIELD, Pernille supports her team, fosters growth, and effectively navigates her leadership responsibilities.
The Next Step: With her team solidly established, Pernille can now fully dedicate herself to leadership, and learning the skills required here. She is putting in her 10,000 hours, and is on the way up!
#2 Leadership Tip: Believe in the Skills and Experiences You Bring to the Table
#2 Leadership Tip: Believe in the Skills and Experiences You Bring to the Table
We often hear that people are hesitant to take the step from specialist to leader, because they don’t have “enough” experience or formal credentials. And sometimes such a move might seem daunting, simply because it has been a while since you have been new at something. It’s been a while since you have had to put 10.000 hours into a new field.
It’s easy to overlook the leadership experiences you have accumulated in various roles, whether that’s as a scout leader, the chairman of a club, or through informal leadership roles that don’t come with official credentials.
What do you do then? You must recognize that these experiences are valuable, even if you don’t have the traditional “papers” to prove them. Remember that experience comes in many forms, and that some skills are transferable. As Pernille’s story tells us we have to believe in the skills and experiences you bring to the table. Embrace the change, trust in your abilities, and take that next step in your career with confidence.
Are You Ready to Make Big Moves?
If you’re serious about advancing your leadership skills, let us help you. Together, we can identify your unique competitive advantage, translate it into a strategy, and give you the conviction to succeed.
Ready to learn more? Simply hit reply, and let’s chat about how our leadership program can support your growth and success.
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