There are many definitions of managing versus leading, and this is a great one from my friend and mentor Georgette Belair. Listen to the Sync Leadership Lab interview with her about ‘How Managers Set Themselves up for Success’ to hear from a highly regarded leader with decades of experience.
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Overview
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Georgette Belair, a highly respected engineer with a wealth of experience across various companies and leadership roles. Georgette’s journey, filled with both triumphs and challenges, offers valuable insights for anyone navigating their own career path, especially those contemplating a transition from technical expertise to a management role.
Georgette’s career trajectory is impressive. She’s worn many hats – engineer, project engineer, and even VP – consistently demonstrating her technical prowess and leadership potential. However, her journey wasn’t without hurdles. As Georgette candidly shared, “There were definitely times when I was the youngest person in the room, and often the only woman. It could be intimidating, but I learned to find my voice and advocate for myself and my ideas.” This resonates with many women in traditionally male-dominated fields, highlighting the importance of perseverance and self-belief.
Our conversation then delved into the topic at hand: transitioning from an ambitious, hands-on engineer to a manager who empowers and guides a team. Georgette’s perspective was refreshing: “One of the biggest adjustments I had to make was letting go of the need to be the technical hero. As a manager, my focus shifted to creating an environment where my team thrives and achieves even greater things.” This resonated deeply. Many technical experts struggle with this shift, clinging to the comfort and satisfaction of solving problems themselves. Georgette’s approach emphasizes the power of delegation and fostering a team environment that fosters individual growth.
Georgette further elaborated on this point, stating, “I had to learn to trust my team’s abilities and empower them to take ownership. It’s not about micromanaging; it’s about providing guidance and support so they can excel.” This quote underscores the importance of fostering trust and autonomy within a team. Micromanagement stifles creativity and initiative, while empowered teams feel valued and motivated to deliver their best work.
The conversation then shifted towards the importance of clear communication as a leader. Georgette emphasized, “Effective communication is paramount. As a manager, you need to be able to articulate your vision clearly, delegate tasks effectively, and provide constructive feedback that motivates and helps your team improve.” This multifaceted approach to communication is essential for building a cohesive and successful team. A leader who can clearly articulate goals, effectively delegate tasks, and provide clear and actionable feedback sets the stage for a high-performing team.
Georgette also highlighted the importance of celebrating successes. “Take the time to acknowledge your team’s achievements,” she said. “Recognition goes a long way in boosting morale and fostering a sense of accomplishment.” A simple “thank you” or public recognition can have a profound impact on team morale and motivation. When team members feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to go the extra mile and consistently deliver exceptional results.
Our conversation concluded with Georgette offering valuable advice to aspiring managers: “Never stop learning and growing yourself. The more you develop your own leadership skills, the better equipped you’ll be to guide and support your team.” This final piece of advice underscores the importance of continuous learning and self-development. Effective leaders are lifelong learners who are constantly seeking ways to improve their own skills and knowledge. By investing in their own growth, they become better equipped to empower and inspire their teams.
In conclusion, my conversation with Georgette Belair was insightful and inspiring. Her journey from a hands-on engineer to an empowering leader offers a valuable roadmap for navigating a career transition. By embracing a team-oriented approach, fostering trust and autonomy, and prioritizing clear communication and recognition, aspiring managers can set themselves and their teams up for success. Remember, the best leaders are not those who solve all the problems themselves, but those who create an environment where their teams can shine.