In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, the distinction between leadership and management is crucial for success. Recently Dr. Steve Dusseau of Indiana Tech and Madeleine MacRae of the Legacy Leadership Institute joined the Emerging Professional Industry Coffee Chat (EPICC) on March 19 for a thought-provoking conversation offering guidance to those contemplating next steps in their career growth. Here are the key takeaways:

Manager vs. Leader:
Managers oversee tasks and ensure operational efficiency, while leaders inspire and guide others toward shared goals, embodying qualities like empathy and vision. Leadership isn't contingent upon a formal title. Individuals can exhibit leadership qualities regardless of their position, fostering collaboration and positive organizational culture. In various workplace scenarios, individuals demonstrate leadership through actions like mentorship, collaboration, innovation, positive influence and conflict resolution, fostering a positive work culture and contributing to organizational success despite lacking formal managerial titles.

Embracing the Unknown:
Steve and Madeleine shared pivotal moments that shaped their managerial aspirations. Like many, they did not receive formal training before assuming these roles but chose to seek knowledge for the benefit of their teams. Managers should engage in self-reflection to understand their strengths and weaknesses, actively seeking opportunities to improve their managerial skills. By recognizing areas for development and committing to personal growth, managers can enhance their effectiveness in leading their teams towards success.

Charting Your Path Towards Leadership
Steve and Madeleine's conversation highlights the value of identifying and seizing opportunities, even when they're disguised within routine or difficult tasks. Embracing these hidden chances enables aspiring professionals to nurture their journey toward personal and career development. These observations underscore the importance of persistence and dedication, emphasizing that genuine leadership stems from actively engaging with all aspects of one's role and considering various viewpoints. Furthermore, seeking clarification during times of uncertainty, particularly when confronted with seemingly mundane or challenging tasks, can illuminate their potential outcomes and pave the way for understanding and growth.

Building A Team:
Both Steve and Madeleine underscored the pivotal role of self-awareness in effective leadership. They emphasized the necessity of recognizing one’s blind spots through honest introspection and actively striving for personal improvement. However, they stressed that leadership extends beyond individual growth. An effective manager or leader must create a diverse team, leveraging strengths that complement their own. Madeleine highlighted the importance of leadership’s influence on the team’s trajectory. She cautioned that leaders operating from a place of self-doubt risk dragging their team down, rather than elevating them. Thus, effective leadership entails building alongside the team, rather than atop their shoulders.

Fostering Team Dynamics:
Managers play a pivotal role in fostering a positive team culture by prioritizing open communication and addressing conflicts directly. Steve emphasized the importance of addressing problems directly with the individual involved, rather than discussing them with others. He highlighted the value of personal connections with team members, advocating for meaningful conversations. Similarly, Madeleine emphasized the “complain up, not out” approach, encouraging team members to bring issues to the appropriate person for resolution. She underscored the importance of distinguishing between attacking a problem and attacking a person, promoting a culture of accountability and positivity. Additionally, the use of tools like GBD (Great, Better, Different) fosters accountability and gratitude, contributing to a healthier dynamic.

Navigating the manager-leader dichotomy requires a nuanced understanding of organizational dynamics, personal strengths and the willingness to adapt and grow. By embracing these principles, anyone can chart a course towards impactful leadership and managerial excellence.