
HBR On Leadership
What It Really Takes to Be a Manager
Sep 25, 2024
Ellen Van Oosten, a professor at the Weatherhead School of Management and co-author of "Helping People Change," shares her insights for aspiring managers. She provides practical advice for those hesitant to accept managerial roles and strategies for navigating workplace barriers, including supervisor resistance. Van Oosten emphasizes the importance of self-assessment, communication, and networking, especially for individuals facing career transitions later in life. Listeners will find actionable tips for developing leadership skills and leveraging their unique experiences.
34:47
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Quick takeaways
- Effective management is a skill that can be cultivated through intention and effort, rather than an innate quality.
- Open communication about career aspirations and role expectations is essential for addressing challenges in managerial transitions and growth.
Deep dives
Management Material Can Be Developed
The concept of being 'management material' is often misunderstood, as many believe it is an innate quality rather than a skill that can be cultivated. Effective management is primarily about connecting with people and leading them toward a common goal. Research indicates that management abilities are not limited to a select few but can be developed through intention and effort. This perspective offers encouragement to those who might doubt their capabilities in pursuing management roles.
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