Shannon was staring at her desk. She didn’t look depressed, but certainly not happy.
“What’s up?” I asked, trying not to sound like a Budweiser commercial.
“Not much,” she replied. “I was really ready to come back to work from the holidays, but yesterday was a barn burner. Ever since I was promoted to manager, things have been different around here. It was so much simpler when I just came to work and punched a clock. Most of the time, it’s great, but there are times when things are just so frustrating.”
“So, why did you want to become a manager?”
Shannon furrowed her brow. “I don’t know. I just got promoted.”
“Why didn’t you turn it down?”
“I never thought about. It was a promotion, I got a raise.” I could see in her face that she had never explored this question before.
“That’s the reason most people become managers,” I said, “for the money. But if that’s the case it never lasts. The second reason is ego, you know, all the authority to push people around. But that doesn’t last very long either. Management is hard work, times get tough and if you are going to survive, you have to discover why you are drawn to be a leader.
“Think about it. I will check with you tomorrow, to see what you have discovered.”
And so I left Shannon to struggle with the same question I am asking you. Why are you drawn to be a leader? -TF
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Hello Tom,
Very Happy New year to you !
It was only last week that I accidentally stumbled upon your blog and I must say that I am fan already.
I really hate the line of thought – “if he is good at doing the job then may be he is good enough to lead others too”. Leading others means alignment and coordination between so many different things that “task expertise” becomes inadequate. I am drawn to leadership because I think I have grown over “task skills” to actually be responsible for the results that those tasks deliver.
Of course, I enjoy the perks that come with it 😉
Mukul
Mukul,
I am glad you found us. It is always great to be discovered by managers outside of the United States. You will bring a fresh perspective on things we talk about. Keep in touch.
Drawn to be a leader?, or born to be a leader? I would like to think the latter!!!!!!(hah), but this is a great question. I will surely give it a lot of thought.
very applicable blog this morning
Is one drawn to it?–born to it? or simply put there?
I occassionally feel the same as Shannon, as it was easier prior to my new position–however–with my new position things are exacerbated–when things are running on all cylinders its great–when not –its much worse then before.
Hey Tom,
What a time to jump into this blog… I had being trying to scroll through lot of blogs and following a few of them .. but this one is real interesting …
While I hit the first few lines of the post I took my career 5 yrs ago when I was in a similar position … I still call myself an accidental Manager (Born Leader ;)), though experience and the inner leadership instinct with a lure of potential has changed me a lot.. 5 yrs down the line I think I am drawn to be a leader to drive a Team and myself towards change (a daily positvie change that we call as improvement) not only to achieve the goals that are being set for also to set goals and achive them..
Regards
Sameer
Sameer,
I think you have something there. The Accidental Manager. Many managers have that happen to them. Somebody quits and boom, they are now in the hot seat. And usually with no preparation or training. Poof, you are a manager.
But it doesn’t last. You called it an inner instinct, or a drive. It’s important. Thank you for your comment.