There was a point in my leadership journey where everything was working, but something still felt off. The team was delivering, projects were moving, and goals were being met. On the surface, it looked like success. Underneath, I could sense a shift.
Energy felt flatter than usual. It felt like everyone was taking the ‘clock in, clock out’ approach. Innovation had slowed, not because people weren’t capable, but because the space for it wasn’t there.
That’s when I realised: I was spending most of my time managing, when what the team really needed in that moment was leadership.
Not a reinvention, just a recalibration.
Since then, in my work coaching leaders and with all the companies that have come through LeadMe Academy, I’ve seen this show up time and again. Not as a failure, but as a moment to pause and ask: Am I in the right mode for what my team needs right now?
Since then, in my work coaching leaders and with all the companies that have come through LeadMe Academy, I’ve seen this show up time and again. Not as a failure, but as a moment to pause and ask: Am I in the right mode for what my team needs right now?
The most effective leaders I’ve worked with don’t just know the difference between managing and leading; they actively choose between them, depending on the moment.
Managing vs Leading: It’s Not Either/Or
Reflective questions for leaders:
Coaching-style prompts to bring into your 1:1s with leaders of leaders:
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