learn the essential leadership skills that matter more than technical know-how
"I'm not coming in today—and I can't say if I'll ever return." - Judith's boss called, just 8 minutes before a critical meeting.
Her boss never came back, leaving her to take over an entire department at the age of 26 —leading a team of five men, all between 38 and 50. That’s how the leadership journey of Judith Pinkas, Founder & CEO of Prozesspower started.
“I always knew I’d step into corporate leadership one day, but I never imagined it would happen like this. That unexpected call was the beginning of my leadership journey,” - Judith shared.
Faced with a team that had more technical expertise and experience than she did, Judith had to learn how to lead without being the most knowledgeable person in the room. Here’s what she discovered.
learn the basics
Your role as a leader is to keep the team aligned with the overall strategy and goals. While your team focuses on the technical details, concentrate on setting the vision, removing obstacles, and ensuring that everyone is moving in the right direction. This will allow you to lead confidently, even if you aren’t the technical expert in the room.
And while you don't need to be an expert in every field, having a foundational understanding of the areas your team works on can significantly enhance your leadership effectiveness. Judith dedicated time each week to learn from her team, asking for briefings and participating in training sessions. This not only boosted her confidence but also earned her the respect of her team, who appreciated her effort to understand their work.
“I think one significant failure I was facing (and in all honesty sometimes still am) was balancing empowering my employees in their expert roles and still making sure results are delivered. There is a certain “turning point”, where I was not able to lead them anymore or define goals for them, because I did not understand the topic they are working on. Further, they were not fully open with me on their work. This seriously hindered my capability to lead them.”
”This influenced my leadership style in two main ways. Firstly, I learned that I still need to know the basics about a topic, which requires me to put in time and effort” - reflects Judith.
ask the right questions
You don’t need to know all the answers, but knowing how to ask the right questions can be even more powerful. Use your curiosity to guide conversations, uncover challenges, and explore solutions. This approach can help you understand the technical aspects without needing to be an expert yourself, and it encourages your team to think critically.
“Alongside me educating myself on the topic, I also ask my team a lot of questions and am not afraid to “look dumb” even when I ask basic things.”
Judith used her questions as a tool to challenge her team to think deeper and articulate their processes and decisions. This habit not only kept her informed but also promoted a culture of transparency and accountability.
empower your experts
Inspire your team so that they can work with motivation.
“..my team needs to consist of self-motivated, value-driven and result-oriented people. If I realize one does not have these traits, this person is not a fit for my leadership style or my team.
empowering my team, making sure they know they are the experts, is crucial, and I trust them with what they do.”
Recognize and leverage the strengths within your team. Give your team members ownership of their areas of expertise and let them lead in those areas. This empowers them and ensures that decisions are based on solid technical knowledge, while you maintain a strategic overview.
take a step back and prioritize (yourself)
Lastly, Judith has also shares her insights on the importance of prioritizing ourselves in times of difficulties:
“When times are challenging I try to take a step back. For me things tend to get “cloudy” and I cannot focus anymore if there is too much going on. Taking a step back can mean to not go on that networking event that evening, but can also mean to put certain projects on hold. I need to make space to tackle the challenge at hand. I do this in asking myself “am I doing this now because I really believe in this project/task/etc? Or do I do it because I think it is necessary (but in reality might not really be)?” This helps me in thinking clearly and focusing on getting back on track.
And I am also doing a lot of sports, crossfit in particular. When I train, I am reminded of what I am capable to do, which directly transfers into my business life. Especially in challenging times, I prioritize my training.”
wrap up
Leading a team effectively doesn't require you to be an expert in everything. Judith's experience exemplifies how embracing a leadership role can often come unexpectedly and demands adaptability. By focusing on the big picture, educating yourself on the basics, asking the right questions, empowering your team, and taking the time to prioritize your own needs, you can navigate the complexities of leadership confidently. These strategies not only help in managing a team but also in personal development, proving that leadership is as much about personal growth as it is about professional management.
Remember, every leader has a starting point, and like Judith, you might find yourself in unexpected leadership situations. Embrace these as opportunities to learn and grow. The key is not to know everything but to manage everything you know and leverage it effectively.
As you continue your journey, keep in mind that leadership is a continuous learning process, where being open, adaptable, and supportive defines your success more than technical expertise. So, take a deep breath, trust in your abilities, and lead with confidence.
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