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December 11.2025

2 Minutes Read

Why Great Employees Struggle as Managers: Essential Skills for Success

Podcast feature image for 'Why Great Employees Don’t Always Make Great Managers'.

Understanding the Gap: Why Great Employees Often Struggle as Managers

In the competitive arena of business, it’s common to elevate high-performing employees into management roles. However, this approach can backfire, as many find that great individual contributors don’t necessarily make effective managers. Ashley Herd, founder of Manager Method and former head of HR at McKinsey, highlights crucial flaws in this method. Often, employees are promoted without any formal leadership training, resulting in a lack of essential management skills, empathy, and clear communication.

The Reality of 'Accidental Managers'

As discussed in the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast with John Jantsch, many managers become leaders by accident, often due to their strong individual contributions rather than their leadership capabilities. These "accidental managers" typically receive no guidance on how to handle team dynamics, which can lead to burnout for both them and their teams. According to Herd, clear expectations should not just be a list of goals; they should involve ongoing conversations about personal roles and impacts.

Essential Managerial Skills and Development Strategies

To facilitate better leadership, aspiring managers should hone specific skills. Surveys indicate that effective communication, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution are paramount. Tools such as the “Pause → Consider → Act” feedback method can ensure that communication remains empathetic rather than ego-driven. Additionally, regular one-on-one meetings can help managers connect with team members, address challenges, and encourage growth.

The Power of Empowerment and Delegation

Herd emphasizes the importance of adopting a coaching mentality instead of a commanding one. By empowering teams to take on responsibilities, managers not only reduce their workload but also foster development and trust among their employees. Recognizing individual strengths and positioning tasks accordingly can significantly enhance team performance and morale.

Conclusion: Making the Transition from Employee to Effective Manager

Understanding the common pitfall of promoting employees to management roles without adequate training is vital for organizations. Investing in leadership development through courses, workshops, or coaching can be transformative. As the professional landscape continues to evolve, effective management becomes increasingly critical in nurturing both employee well-being and organizational success. Take the first step towards enhancing your management skills today; explore personalized leadership development options!

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Why Great Employees Struggle as Managers: Essential Skills for Success

Understanding the Gap: Why Great Employees Often Struggle as Managers

The Reality of 'Accidental Managers'

Essential Managerial Skills and Development Strategies

The Power of Empowerment and Delegation

Conclusion: Making the Transition from Employee to Effective Manager

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