Stop Managing, Start Leading

When I think back to all the mistakes I made enroute to learning what it meant to be a great leader, I'd have at least a trilogy of knee slapping, eye-rolling, cringy books to sell you. The truth is, I didn't know, what I didn't know about being a great leader. I figured because I was a good person, with good intentions, I cared about our people and I was willing to figure things out along the way, then that's all I really needed. However...

What I failed to realize is being a great leader isn't at all about being the person to solve all the problems, or having all the answers or the one others come to for guidance. It's not being the decision maker or the one that talks most at meetings. It's not being the ideas person or even getting people to do what you don't want to do. In fact, what I learned over time is that being a great leader is actually the opposite, of a lot of these points.

The Difference Between Managing and Leading

One of the biggest lessons I had to learn was the difference between managing and leading. I didn't even realize there was that much of a difference. Isn't managing, leading? The short answer is yes, and no.

Managing is about tasks, it’s making sure things get done, deadlines are met, and boxes are checked. Yes, all of this is incredibly important in our industry, and, only a piece of the success puzzle. Leading, on the other hand, is about people. It’s about inspiring, empowering, and creating an environment where others can thrive. Managers focus on control; leaders focus on connection. And while both roles are important, true leadership comes when you step beyond the task list and invest in the people behind the work.

The Evolution of Leadership: What It’s Really About

Through my journey, I’ve come to understand that true leadership is not about control, it’s about (the overused and under valued) empowerment. Leaders often fall into the trap of thinking their job is to be the smartest person in the room or the one with all the solutions. But in reality, the best leaders focus on building up the people around them.

Leadership is about creating other leaders, not followers. It’s about helping others develop the tools they need to make decisions, navigate challenges, and contribute their best work, not because you told them to, but because they’re driven to.

Here’s what I believe are the key responsibilities of a great leader:

1. Lead Yourself First

You can’t effectively lead others if you haven’t learned to lead yourself. This means developing emotional intelligence, managing your own reactions, and setting an example of accountability and growth. It's understanding who you are and why you do what you do. It's having a high level of self-awareness.

Early in my career, I learned that the way I show up, whether calm under pressure or reactive and stressed, sets the tone for my entire team. If I wanted my people to operate with focus and resilience, I had to model that behaviour first. Just like kids, your people pick up on your actions, not your words.

2. Invest in People

A leader’s job is to build up the people around them. This means taking the time to understand your team’s goals, strengths, and aspirations. I’ve found that when you invest in your people, whether through mentorship, training, or simply listening to their needs, the results are extraordinary.

People want to feel seen, heard, and valued. Something as small as asking, “What do you want to accomplish in your career, and how can I help you get there?” can transform the way your team approaches their work.

3. Foster a Culture of Ownership

Great leaders don’t micromanage; they empower. One of the hardest lessons I learned was letting go of control and trusting my team to make decisions. Thinking about it today, more than 10 years after making the leap, I still get tight in the chest. Leadership is about creating an environment where people feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them.

When you empower your team to take ownership of their roles and give them the tools they need to succeed, you’re not just delegating tasks, you’re building confidence, independence, and leadership within your organization.

4. Focus on Connection, Not Control

My role as a leader and business owner in the construction industry taught me a lot about the importance of human connection. On job sites and in offices alike, the most successful teams I’ve seen weren’t driven by fear or authority - they were driven by mutual respect and trust. When I started focusing more on what my team needed and less on what I thought they needed, I felt the wall come down and genuine connection be formed.

Leadership is about building relationships. It’s about showing genuine care for your team’s well-being, from greeting them (warmly) in the morning to creating space for open communication. A connected team is an engaged team, and an engaged team delivers results.

5. Develop the Next Generation of Leaders

This may sound a little corny, and I'm going to say it anyway. Ultimately, the measure of your success as a leader isn’t the size of the company you built or what you have accumulated, it’s how many other leaders you’ve developed along the way. Leadership isn’t about being the person who “knows it all”; it’s about enabling others to step into their own leadership potential.

One of the most fulfilling moments in my career has been seeing people I’ve mentored go on to lead teams of their own. It’s a reminder that the true legacy of leadership isn't the business you leave behind, rather it's the people you helped develop.

The Bottom Line

If there’s one lesson I’d share with every aspiring leader, it’s this: leadership isn’t about you. It’s about them. It’s about empowering your team, creating opportunities for growth, and fostering a culture of connection and collaboration. Managing tasks and processes is necessary to keep things running, however, true leadership goes beyond that. It’s about inspiring and developing the people behind the work, not just checking off a to-do list.

Being a great leader means stepping back, letting others shine, and focusing on the bigger picture - helping your people grow into the best versions of themselves by being the best version of yourself. When you lead with this mindset, you’re achieving immediate goals and building a culture where people thrive. And as they grow, so will your team, your business, and ultimately, your impact.

PS: Are you ready to elevate your leadership and develop the leaders on your team? Let’s connect - I’d love to help you on your journey.