Recently, I’ve stepped into a managerial role.
And I gotta tell you, this game is a lot different than being an individual contributor.
Individual contributor: Executes tasks assigned to them within deadlines.
Manager: Steers the ship and makes sure progress is always being made.
Here are some key skills a good manager needs:
A good manager…
Doesn’t do repetitive tasks. Instead, they create SOPs and delegate those tasks to free up time for higher-leverage work.
Doesn’t do tasks on behalf of others. They teach people how to do it themselves so the task doesn’t circle back to them.
Always questions what they and their team are working on. They make sure everyone (including themselves) is focused on high-leverage tasks that move the department forward.
Can do a task 75% well. They don’t need to be perfect. They rely on individual contributors to execute with excellence while providing direction and accountability.
For most of my career, I’ve been an individual contributor.
Clients would ask me to do things, and I’d do them.
Managers would tell me to handle something, and I’d get it done.
Now, as I transition into a managerial role, everything’s changed.
The nature of work is completely different.
It’s not about doing tasks anymore, it’s about effective prioritization, building systems, and delegating work to people who are even better than you.
If you want to grow in your career and become a lead or a manager, it’s important to develop these skills.
Here are some books I recommend to understand this concept better:
See you in the next newsletter.
-Alif