How Managers Become Leaders
The Harvard Business Review article, "How Managers Become Leaders" by Michael D. Watkins, underscores a critical distinction: while managers focus on executing tasks and maintaining systems, leaders are tasked with setting direction, aligning people, and motivating teams. This transition from management to leadership is not merely a change in title but a fundamental shift in mindset and skill set.
Key Differences Between Managing and Leading
Watkins identifies several pivotal shifts that individuals must make when moving from managerial to leadership roles:
Specialist to Generalist: Managers often have deep expertise in a specific area. Leaders, however, need to broaden their perspective to understand and integrate various functions within the organization.
Tactician to Strategist: While managers focus on short-term goals and problem-solving, leaders must think long-term, setting visions and strategies that guide the organization forward.
Problem Solver to Agenda Setter: Managers address immediate issues; leaders anticipate challenges and set the agenda to navigate future complexities.
Warrior to Diplomat: Transitioning into leadership requires a shift from direct control to influencing others, building relationships, and navigating organizational politics.
Supporting Cast to Lead Role: Leaders become the face of their teams or organizations, requiring them to embody and communicate the organization's values and vision effectively.
Implications for Fundraising Professionals Transitioning to Leadership
For fundraising professionals stepping into leadership roles, these shifts are particularly pertinent. The role expands beyond managing donor relations and campaigns to setting strategic directions, aligning fundraising goals with the institution's mission, and inspiring teams to achieve collective objectives.
Embracing leadership involves developing new competencies: strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to influence and inspire others. It also means letting go of the comfort of specialized expertise to embrace a broader organizational perspective.
Conclusion
Understanding the distinction between managing and leading is crucial for effective leadership. As fundraising professionals transition into leadership roles, recognizing and embracing these differences can facilitate a smoother transition and greater impact within their organizations.
For a more in-depth exploration of these concepts, you can read the full article here:
