Elevate Your Leadership Game

Your LinkedIn title has changed. You’ve got a team reporting to you. Senior leadership is expecting results. The pressure starts to build—and so does the question: Am I supposed to be managing my team… or leading them?

It’s a common fork in the road for many first-time managers. You’ve been handed responsibility, but what does that really mean?

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Leadership vs. Management: What’s the Difference?

In my previous post, What Is a Leader? I explored the distinction between leaders and managers. The truth? Not all managers are leaders—and not all leaders need a management title.

Managers are essential to the day-to-day operations of a business. They plan, organize, and execute tasks. They ensure systems run smoothly. They’re the backbone of the process.

Leaders, however, bring the why. They create vision, build trust, and rally people around purpose. Leaders aren’t just focused on control—they focus on connection. They inspire action and empower others to grow.

So, as a new manager, which path should you take? Ideally: both. The most effective managers balance operational control with human connection.

Start by Building Your Support System

One of the most overlooked steps in stepping into a leadership role is realizing: that you don’t have to go it alone.

Mentorship is a game-changer.

A mentor—a seasoned leader who’s been in your shoes—can help you navigate new challenges and provide wisdom that books or classes can’t replicate. I didn’t find a mentor until a few years into my managerial journey. Looking back, I wish I had started sooner.

Whether you’re brand new or decades in, mentorship offers perspective, encouragement, and invaluable guidance. Leadership isn’t just taught—it’s transferred.

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Keep Investing in Your Growth

Leadership is a skill—and like any skill, it requires development.

If your company offers leadership training or development workshops, jump in. These programs are often designed to sharpen your communication, decision-making, and emotional intelligence—all critical tools in your new role.

If no internal options are available, consider external certifications. Universities, industry organizations, and online platforms offer programs tailored for current and aspiring leaders. I still pursue leadership certifications—even with degrees in leadership—because learning never stops.

That said, remember: no textbook can replicate the nuances of real-life situations. Experience, when paired with intentional learning, builds powerful leaders.

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Management gives you the tools to run a process. Leadership gives you the heart to empower people.

Your new role as manager is more than a title—it’s an opportunity to make an impact. So lead with intention, stay curious, and never stop learning.