Many new supervisors are promoted to their first managerial role because they are exceptionally skilled in their technical field. As an accomplished technician, their expertise often makes them the go-to person for solving problems, creating results, and driving success. This mastery of their niche is what earns them the promotion.
But then something happens. The once-thriving technician-turned-manager finds themselves struggling to replicate their past success in a leadership role. Why? Because the skillset that helps you thrive as an individual contributor is not the same skillset you need to thrive as a manager.
I’ve walked this path myself. As a marketing technician, I excelled in crafting strategies and delivering results. But when I transitioned to managing a marketing department, I quickly realized that the tools in my “technician toolbox” were insufficient for managing people and processes. I needed to move from mastering a niche to learning how to leverage the talents of others.
If you’ve recently stepped into a managerial role and are experiencing this shift, here are five steps to help you go from niche to leverage and become a successful leader.
1. Shift from Doing to Delegating
As a technician, your value was measured by how well you performed tasks. As a manager, your value is measured by how well you empower others to perform. This requires a fundamental mindset shift: stop being the person who does everything and start being the person who enables your team to excel.
How to start:
- Identify tasks that your team can handle and delegate them.
- Trust your team to complete the work without micromanaging.
- Focus on providing resources, guidance, and feedback instead of solving every problem yourself.
2. Develop People Skills, Not Just Technical Skills
Your expertise got you promoted, but people skills will help you succeed in your new role. Effective managers build strong relationships, communicate clearly, and inspire their teams to perform at their best.
How to start:
- Learn to listen actively and empathetically.
- •lPractice clear, concise communication, both one-on-one and in team settings.
- Build trust by being consistent, honest, and approachable.
3. Learn to See the Big Picture
As a technician, you focused on the details. As a manager, your role is to understand and align with the broader goals of your organization. This means developing a strategic mindset and helping your team see how their work contributes to the company’s success.
How to start:
- Take time to understand the company’s vision, mission, and goals.
- Break down big-picture goals into actionable steps for your team.
- Regularly communicate how their work impacts overall success.
4. Prioritize Coaching Over Controlling
Great managers don’t just assign tasks—they coach their team members to grow and improve. By investing in your team’s development, you create a culture of learning and empowerment, which leads to better results for everyone.
How to start:
- Provide constructive feedback regularly, focusing on growth rather than criticism.
- Encourage team members to take ownership of their work.
- Support their professional development by offering training, mentoring, or stretch assignments.
5. Master Time Management and Prioritization
As a manager, your time is no longer just your own. You’re responsible for your team’s success, which requires balancing competing priorities and staying organized.
How to start:
- Use tools like calendars, task management systems, or project planning software to stay on track.
- Learn to say no to tasks that don’t align with your goals.
- Schedule time for leadership responsibilities like strategic planning and team check-ins.
From Niche Expert to Empowered Leader
Transitioning from a technician to a manager can feel overwhelming at first. But by focusing on these five steps, you’ll build the skills you need to leverage the talents of others, align your team with broader goals, and grow into a successful leader.
Remember: Leadership isn’t about being the best at everything. It’s about helping others be their best—and when you succeed in that, your team’s success becomes your own.