It’s Tactical Tuesday!
Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...
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The Thought
Did you know…only 10% of people are natural leaders—but with the right development, up to 80% can learn to lead effectively? (Zenger & Folkman, Harvard Business Review).
The key difference? Managers maintain the present, while leaders develop for the future.
Managers train for the job they have. Leaders grow for the challenges ahead.
Managers focus on technical skills and processes. Leaders build resilience, vision, and adaptability.
As leadership expert Marshall Goldsmith said:
“What got you here won’t get you there.”
If you want to lead at a higher level, you must step back to step up.
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The Tip
Remember to…take 15 minutes this week for a Leader’s Self-Check-In:
1️⃣ What leadership skill am I actively developing right now? (If none, what’s one area I could improve?)
2️⃣ Who am I learning from? (Do I have a mentor, coach, or peer to challenge me?)
3️⃣ How am I applying what I learn? (Am I experimenting, testing, and growing?)
Great leaders don’t wait for development to happen to them. They take ownership of it.
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The Tool
Short Video: Manager vs. Leader: Leaders develop, Managers maintain.
This week’s video breaks down how leaders approach growth and development differently than managers.
Managers train for the job they have.
Leaders develop for the future they see ahead.
10 differences between managers and leaders when it comes to personal and professional development:
1️⃣ Mindset: → Managers seek competence to maintain their role. → Leaders seek growth to elevate themselves and others.
2️⃣ Learning Approach: → Managers train for the job they have. → Leaders develop for the future they want.
3️⃣ Feedback: → Managers wait for performance reviews. → Leaders actively seek feedback to improve continuously.
4️⃣ Skill Development: → Managers focus on technical skills. → Leaders invest in soft skills like emotional intelligence, communication, and vision.
5️⃣ Networking: → Managers connect for career advancement. → Leaders build relationships for shared success.
6️⃣ Mentorship: → Managers work within existing hierarchies. → Leaders seek mentors and become mentors.
7️⃣ Risk-Taking: → Managers play it safe and stick to what works. → Leaders embrace discomfort and experiment.
8️⃣ Self-Reflection: → Managers focus on fixing others. → Leaders reflect on themselves first.
9️⃣ Adaptability: → Managers resist change to maintain stability. → Leaders adapt quickly and drive innovation.
🔟 Long-Term Vision: → Managers set goals for the next quarter. →
Leaders develop a vision for the next decade.
Which of these resonates with you the most?
Leaders are learners and they are not afraid to step back to step up.
Be a manager when needed.
Be a leader at all times.
Start the Leadership Skills Program
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Leadership Question of the week…
Here is the top question this week from our 101 Leadership Questions download. Don’t have this download? Get instant access here.
❓What’s the dullest part of your job?
❓How do we flip it to be more engaging?
❓What’s one experiment we should run?
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Activity of the week…
Here is a quick breakdown of the popular 52 Team Meeting Activity Cards. 4 key sections to make your team meetings engaging and valuable. Don’t have these yet? Get your physical copy here OR a printable version as part of the Complete Leader Package.
Want more? Start here -> Leadership 101
Gain access to our popular ready-to-use tools OR bring us in for a custom workshop or keynote.
Spark dialogue with your team.
Ignite engagement.
These activities and questions will make your leadership work easier in 2025!
-> Digital download: Get instant access to the most popular Complete Leader Package. Leaders love having over 200 questions for 1:1s, team meetings, and leadership meetings.
Plus, 52 team meeting activity cards so you’ll never have to plan another activity again!
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-> New topics added to our Speaking & Workshops pages. Learn more.
Thank you again being a leader who cares,
-Dwight & Jess
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