The Mindset Shift of a Manager
Management: the authority to give others more authority
The Calling of Saint Matthew - Caravaggio
A year and a half ago I got promoted to a Lead position. I was about to enter a new chapter of my career where I'll finally get more control and authority over people and projects, right?
Well, it's more no than yes.
If you think that management is about gaining authority over people, you’ve already missed the point.
The real job of a manager isn’t about you — it’s about everyone else.
And that requires a huge mindset shift that most people overlook.
The Common Misconception
When people become managers, they often believe they’ve moved "up the ladder" and will now call the shots. While it's partially true, you have more responsibility, your real power isn’t in controlling your teammates. It’s in advocating for them.
The authority you’ve been given isn’t for self-promotion. It’s about fighting for space for your team to shine.
Here’s the Reality:
A leader’s true success comes from how well they support and elevate their team members. When I decided to step into my leadership role, I stepped in with complete focus shift. My personal achievements became secondary. The real success is of those who I lead.
And from my expertise this is where many new managers stumble. They think it’s their time to be in the spotlight, but it’s actually the opposite.
Let me be clear:
Your team’s success is your success.
The Shift I Made
Concede My Ego
Contrary to my nature, I embraced not being the center of attention. My new role is about moving the spotlight onto my team. When they grow, I grow. If they fail, it's because I've failed them - I haven't set them up to improve.Advocate Relentlessly
My “authority" is not about more decisions—it’s about creating opportunities for my team mates. My job is to clear paths for their growth, secure resources, and fight for their ability to thrive.Lead by Serving
Management isn’t about controlling people; it’s about serving them. I give my best guiding and supporting my team so they can reach their full potential, their way.
Tips on becoming a better lead:
Listen > Speak
I do fail this occasionally, but focus on understanding your team’s challenges, not solving them right away. **Your role is to empower them, not micromanage.Celebrate their wins publicly:
Let go of the focus—shift it to your team. Recognise their contributions in meetings and company-wide forums. It's not about you.Ask for feedback:
You don’t know it all, and that’s okay. Ask your team what they need from you to do their best work, and then deliver on those needs.
Let’s Wrap This Up:
Becoming a manager isn’t about getting more power. It’s about stepping into a role where you empower others to succeed.
What’s your take? Hit reply and let me know—are you leading with service or are you stuck in the old-school, “I’m in charge” mindset
“A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.”
Laozi – Tao Te Ching