One of my pleasures as an executive and emerging leader coach comes from the time spent in session with the cohort groups in my various programs. We wrapped our September/October Manager Development Program group yesterday (Our last cohort of 2023 kicks off on 10/25 and we have one on the books for early 2024…learn more here), and true to form, there are always moments that excite and even exhilarate me. Here are some of the insights and observations from this great group of professionals:
1. Learning is Sometimes About Unlearning
We had a range of experience levels represented, from aspiring to experienced managers, with one very senior professional who served as a voice of experience while looking at the ideas through a beginner’s mind filter. Sometimes, learning is more about unlearning!
2. The Power of Defining Your Aspirational Leadership Self
As part of every cohort program, I challenge and guide individuals in defining the leader they aspire to become. This is an exercise that, sadly, many in leadership roles have never been challenged to complete. In our programs, individuals explore their view of what makes a great leader; they explore examples from their lives, and then they complete the statements:
- Here’s who I aspire to become as a leader…
- Here’s how I want to impact you..
- Here’s why this is important to me…
- Here’s what you can expect from me…
- Here’s what I expect from you…
There are always similarities, but the differences are where the genius and inspiration come from in their work products. Some present their aspirational leadership self with an image, and others in paragraphs or statements. What they learn about themselves and their North Star as emerging leaders is priceless.
3. There’s a Framework for Developing as an Effective Manager
There’s a framework for developing as an effective manager and building a healthy working environment. The Managers Operating System offers ten core programs that must be present and in play to succeed as a manager. It’s fascinating to watch the lights turn on as individuals process the importance of each of the ten areas and begin to see how they build on each other and interoperate. While many are initially overwhelmed by ten big things to do, they truly become part of a daily routine and aren’t extraordinary activities.
4. It’s Time to Change the Label of Manager
There’s agreement that the role of manager today is more described by the label of facilitator, teacher, guide, or coach versus yesterday’s command and control style. There’s less emphasis or perceived need for the “supervisory” aspect of managing and more about helping people succeed while helping them grow into their next roles. While the title “manager” is likely not going away, it’s important to begin to change the definition.
5. 1X1s are Priceless
The best managers invest time in observing and engaging with their team members. There was much energy for the importance of 1x1s...particularly when the employee essentially drives the agenda for those encounters. I love the commitment to quality 1x1s, and I know from experience that many managers can strengthen this area.
6. Coaching for Career Growth is Critical
Coaching for Career Growth is something many managers need a clearer handle on in their work. Our systems sometimes don’t support the type of career guidance people care about today. I always reference the great work/books of Julie Winkle Giulioni, who offers solid, actionable guidance for managers tuned in to the needs of today’s workforce.
7. Decision Making is Messy
We don’t think about or work on strengthening as decision-makers enough, yet our success is primarily driven by others’ perception of our decision-making effectiveness. After about half our group made an unfortunate decision for a fictional adventure surrounded by data and opinions we analyzed the decision process. We unpacked the assumptions, confusing thoughts, and conflicting data and discussed the easy way we fall victim to various decision-making traps. Building a strategy for unpacking assumptions, cross-examining data, and leveraging framing and reframing were covered as part of getting better at this important task. Several individuals put the reframing guidance to work in the next week to great success!
The Cohort Creates the Magic!
And, while I’ll vouch for the powerful, research-backed, practitioner-focused content I bring to these sessions, I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight that the magic happens with the cohort members sharing ideas and experiences and supporting each other for navigating challenges!
If developing as an even more effective manager or moving to manager is on your radar for you or your team, join us for an upcoming cohort.
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