Creating Leaders Out of Managers

How Do Managers Become Leaders?

ISM2016 session on Monday, May 16, 2016

Moderator: Alpar Kamber, managing partner, Denali Group.

Panelists: Miriam Limbach, director, medical device sourcing, Bayer; Vytas Silesoraitis, strategic sourcing leader, Google; Jennifer Cicinelli, director of procurement, Ann Inc.; and Krystelle Bilodeau, assistant director, retail and wholesale debt administration, Bank of Canada.

The difference between a manager and a leader can be subtle. But panelists say that being a manager means working within a set of requirements and restraints while being a leader means enabling others to share a vision, and helping to remove those requirements and restraints to reach that vision.

Key takeaways:

●When you transition from peer to leader, realize that the impact of your words is amplified, particularly in the eyes of those who previously were your peers.

●Don’t expect to learn leadership by reading books. It takes practice and time to develop into a leader. Don’t pressure yourself to be a great leader from Day 1.

●It’s okay for leaders not to have answers for everything.

●Trust is a significant part of being a leader. Talk openly about what you’re planning to do and then do it.

●Managers become leaders because they demonstrate diplomacy, empathy and sound judgment.

Key quote: “Leadership is a journey. It is not a destination.” — Alpar Kamber.

ISM2016 is May 15-18 in Indianapolis.