10 ways to be a leader when you manage

February 25, 2025

It’s Tactical Tuesday!

Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...

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The Thought

Did you know…that managers who lead with a people-first mindset drive 21% more profitability and 17% higher productivity in their teams? (Gallup)

As Steve Jobs said, "Management is about persuading people to do things they do not want to do. Leadership is about inspiring people to do things they never thought they could."

Great managers don’t just enforce policies and hit targets—they lead with empathy, inspire ownership, and create an environment where people want to give their best. Managing effectively isn’t just about what gets done, but how and why it gets done. The best results happen when people feel valued and involved.

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The Tip

Remember to…prioritize people over processes when managing. Instead of just focusing on efficiency, deadlines, and compliance, engage your team in the process.

Before rolling out a new initiative, ask: How will this impact the team? What concerns might they have? How can I involve them in shaping the approach?
When resolving conflicts, shift from Who is right? to How do we create a win-win outcome?
During change, don’t just announce decisions—help your team navigate them by listening, supporting, and co-creating solutions.

Leaders who manage well don’t just drive results; they build trust, ownership, and long-term success.

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The Tool

Short Video: Manager vs. Leader: Leaders manager through a people-first lens

This week’s video breaks down the difference between managing through a process-first vs. people-first lens.

It highlights how leaders handle expectations, change, and conflict while bringing their people along the journey.

Leadership isn’t about power—it’s about empowering others.

Managers manage through a process-first lens.

Leaders manage through a people-first lens.

10 Ways to be a Leader when you manage.

1. People First Approach
↳Great leaders always put people first.

Lessons:
• Build trust through active listening
• Co-create solutions with your team

2. Consensus Building
↳Leaders focus on bringing people together.

Lessons:
• Foster shared ownership
• Encourage collaboration and consensus

3. Handling Change
↳Leaders manage change by involving everyone.

Lessons:
• Address concerns and fears openly
• Make transitions smoother by including everyone in the process

4. Conflict Resolution
↳Leaders resolve conflicts by understanding all sides.

Lessons:
• Listen to all parties involved
• Create win-win solutions that satisfy everyone

5. Empathy
↳Leaders show empathy in every decision.

Lessons:
• Understand the emotional impact of changes
• Show genuine care for the team's well-being

6. Vision Sharing
↳Leaders share a clear and inspiring vision.

Lessons:
• Communicate the big picture effectively
• Align team goals with the overall vision

7. Encouraging Innovation
↳Leaders encourage new ideas and innovation.

Lessons:
• Create a safe space for idea sharing
• Support and develop creative solutions

8. Accountability
↳Leaders create a culture of ownership and commitment.

Lessons:
• Set clear expectations
• Focus more on personal responsibility

9. Continuous Improvement
↳Leaders are always looking to improve.

Lessons:
• Seek feedback regularly
• Implement changes based on feedback

10. Leading by Example
↳Leaders lead by example in everything they do.

Lessons:
• Demonstrate the behavior you want to see
• Be a role model for your team

Leadership is not about having all the answers.

It’s about guiding the team to find the best path together.

By focusing on people, leaders inspire, innovate, and create a positive work environment.

For leaders:
True leadership is shown through consistent alignment:
The mission that drives collective effort.
The vision that shapes a shared future.
The challenges that strengthen resolve.

Leaders don't just achieve goals; they also nurture growth, curiosity, and resilience in their team.

Be a Manager when needed.
Be a Leader always.

Watch the short video now

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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 one outdated process or habit we should rethink or eliminate?
❓How would changing it help us level up?
❓What’s the first step?

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Activity of the week…

Here is the top activity this week from our 52 Team Meeting Activity Cards. Don’t have these download? Get your physical copy here OR a printable version as part of the Complete Leader Package.

Watch the activity description of the “LISTENING RIDDLES”

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Thank you again for being a great leader out there!

-Dwight & Jess

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